Nikola Jokić is being defended in the photograph, taken during Game 2 of the Denver Nuggets’ first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022 NBA Playoffs by Los Angeles Lakers defenders Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura. The NBA is investigating an incident involving Nikola Jokić’s brother, Strahinja Jokić, that occurred after the Nuggets won their home game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. A video posted on social media shows Strahinja Jokić wearing his brother’s No. 15 jersey, stepping over a row of seats to confront another fan and then punching him in the head.
The Denver Police Department is aware of the video and is looking into the incident, though it was not reported to police. The department is actively trying to identify the person in the video that was struck and encourages anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. Strahinja Jokić was watching a Denver Nuggets game against the Indiana Pacers on January 14, 2024.
The details leading up to the incident are unclear, but it occurred after a game where Nikola Jokić had an impressive performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing 20 rebounds, and dishing 10 assists. The Nuggets won the game against the Lakers, taking a 2-0 series lead after Jamal Murray hit a game-winning, buzzer-beater shot. CNN has requested comments from the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Ball Arena security.