NBA

Nikola Jokic addresses his heated mix-up with Markieff Morris

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 08: Markieff Morris #8 of the Miami Heat lays on the ground after being hit by Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on November 8, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Heat forward Markieff Morris exchanged massive blows in their game last night. In the game’s waning moments, Morris went for a take foul against the reigning league MVP to stop the fast break, and Jokic didn’t take too kindly to the move and retaliated accordingly.

This caused players from both sides to meet near mid-court. Fortunately, nothing would come of it after the fact. Both Morris and Jokic were ejected from the game. Morris, though hurt, would leave the floor under his own power. Denver went on to win the game 113-96. Nikola Jokic, climbing up the MVP ladder, led his team on the strength of his triple-double stat line of 25 points, 15 rebounds, and ten assists.

Jokic addresses the incident

Despite the win and his standout performance, the biggest story from the game regards the heated exchange between Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris. Explaining his actions, Jokic deemed Morris’ move a dirty play, and he felt that the Heat forward took the aggression too far, which elicited his reaction.

�I thought it was a dirty foul, a dirty shot. Me and Bam were fighting the whole night. It was a nice fight. I think you can play fair and still play aggressive and fight with your guy. But I thought it was a little over the edge. That�s why I reached.�

Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic has had had moments of hyper-aggression in the past. As recently as last postseason, Denver’s star big man got into trouble after fouling Cameron Payne during the Nuggets second-round series against the Phoenix Suns. Like in that game, players from the opposing team last night, namely Jimmy Butler, aimed to confront Jokic for his actions. Markieff’s twin brother, Marcus Morris, also shared his thoughts on the matter.

“Waited till bro turned his back smh. NOTED”

Marcus Morris

What the NBA plans to do about this situation is unknown at the moment. However, all signs appear to point towards a brief suspension. We’ll have to wait and see what they ultimately decide on. In the meantime, the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat will go their separate ways. They will close out their season series on November 29th at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.

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