The Denver Nuggets can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to off-court incidents involving their players’ family members.
First, Michael Porter Jr.’s brother, Jontay, was banned from the NBA for violating the league’s gambling rules. Then, a week later, his other brother, Coban, was sentenced to six years in prison for a drunk-driving accident that killed a woman in January of 2023.
Now, Nikola Jokic’s brother, Strahinja, is being investigated by the NBA for punching a fellow spectator after Denver’s Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, according to TMZ. TMZ also reported that law enforcement officials are looking into the situation. No one has reportedly stepped forward yet claiming to be the victim.
In the video, Strahinja can be seen climbing over a row of seats and immediately connecting on a swing. A crowd began to form in an attempt to hold him back. Both of Jokic’s brothers are known for stepping up in defense of the Nuggets center regardless of the circumstances. The two-time MVP’s wife, Natalija, was seemingly close to Jokic’s brothers throughout the altercation, holding their daughter as she reached to pull Strahinja back.
Nikola Jokic’s older brother Strahinja threw a punch at a fan following the Nuggets’ 20-point comeback win vs. the Lakers 👀
(via cgallegos67/TT)pic.twitter.com/gjYzt7c1kE
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2024
It’s believed that the event took place shortly after Nuggets guard Jamal Murray nailed the game-winner, extending the Nuggets’ series lead to 2-0. Denver trailed by as many as 20 points earlier in the night but fought back, taking command of the Round 1 matchup.
The NBA has not been kind with their punishments for fan altercations in recent history, but considering Jokic’s lack of involvement, it will be intriguing to watch how the league handles the situation.
