Chicago fans booed as Nikola Jokic dismissed the Bulls.
Jokic shouted at referee Mousa Dagher for a foul after missing a jumper at the rim, sprinting up the court to return to defense. Chicago fans booed as officials dismissed him for a technical foul.
Jokic shouted, “Call the foul, motherf—er,” as multiple baseline spectators informed ESPN. Jokic admitted his language “crossed a line,” but he nor Nuggets coach Michael Malone were stunned he was ejected immediately.
According to crew leader Mark Lindsay’s pool report following the game, Jokic was ejected for cursing at the referee, which we believe was justified.
“Sometimes this isn’t even a technical,” Jokic remarked of calling officials that. “I know I crossed the line, but sometimes that term doesn’t. This is it.”
Malone added: “Everyone was stunned by the one-tech toss. What was said was again unclear. Unfortunately, but we win the game, which is all that matters.”
Jokic likely had more Chicago fans Tuesday night. Bulls public relations said they provided a group seat package and expected many Serbian fans.
Jokic’s only United Center visit this season was Tuesday. Jokic, from Sombor, Serbia, said he was unaware of any special campaign but noted that Chicago has a strong Serbian population.
“It’s the second-biggest Serbian population here,” stated. Belgrade is first, Chicago second. Maybe somebody came to see me.” Jokic has been dismissed twice this season, but Denver has won both.
Jokic had 4 points, 9 rebounds, & 6 assists over 16 minutes, his second game with fewer than 10 points this season. He also got ejected against Detroit on Nov. 20.
After Jamal Murray missed the second night of the back-to-back and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed the second half with a head contusion, the Nuggets’ triumph Tuesday was more impressive. Denver scored 50 points from their bench and Reggie Jackson scored 25.
“I’m starting to think [Jokic is] overrated,” Malone laughed. “But I think our young guys have found a rhythm, they have a little confidence, lot they’re playing increasingly rapidly, which is fun to watch.
“Jokic, Draymond Green, and Jalen Duren were the only players dismissed numerous times this season. Later Tuesday night, Green was disqualified for the third offense this season in the Warriors’ loss to the Suns.
The Nuggets won Tuesday, but Malone warned Jokic against fighting officials. Malone suggested taking a technical foul if Jokic thinks he’s being fouled to boost his play.
“As head coach, I don’t want him to get thrown out because it’s bad for him and the team. Jokic had 4 points, 9 rebounds, & 6 assists in 16 minutes, his second game with fewer than 10 points this season.
He also got ejected against Detroit on Nov. 20. Jokic has been dismissed twice this season, but Denver has won both.
After Jamal Murray missed the second night of the back-to-back and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed the second half with a head contusion, the Nuggets’ triumph Tuesday seemed even more impressive. Denver scored 50 points from their bench and Reggie Jackson scored 25.
“I’m starting to think [Jokic is] overrated,” Malone laughed. “But I think our young guys are in a rhythm, they possess some confidence, and they’re playing increasingly aggressively, which is fun to watch.
“Jokic, Draymond Green, plus Jalen Duren were the only players dismissed numerous times this season. Later Tuesday night, Green was disqualified for the third time this season in the Warriors’ loss to the Suns.