If things weren’t already intense between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round Western Conference series, they may have just reached another level.
Late in Saturday’s Game 4, with Minnesota set to go up 3-1, Jaden McDaniels chose to score instead of running out the clock.
The move appeared to frustrate Nikola Jokić, leading to a brawl involving multiple players, many of whom are now at risk of being suspended.
Could Timberwolves Players Face Suspensions After Nikola Jokic and Jaden McDaniels Brawl?
Tensions flared late in the fourth quarter with the Timberwolves leading 110-96 and under five seconds remaining in regulation. McDaniels had the opportunity to run out the clock, but instead took an open layup, adding insult to injury for the Nuggets.
That decision had immediate consequences.
Jokić charged at McDaniels and grabbed him, prompting a swarm of players and officials to intervene.
Jokić and Minnesota’s Julius Randle were both ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, and further discipline could follow.
😮 Never seen this before.
Less than 2 seconds left and chaos breaks out after Nikola Jokić didn’t like Jaden McDaniels going for the layup instead of running out the clock
And it ended with ejections. Joker and Julius Randle gone. Possible suspensions for next game??? pic.twitter.com/uT5hq5nmOb
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) April 26, 2026
According to NBA rules and guidelines on fighting, the league office has full discretion in determining punishment. “A fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the Commissioner at his sole discretion,” as per subsection E of section VI.
Additionally, Rudy Gobert, Aaron Gordon, and Bones Hyland may also face consequences after leaving the bench during the altercation. NBA rules state that players who do not remain in the immediate vicinity of their bench during a fight are subject to suspension, without pay, for a minimum of one game, along with fines of up to $50,000.
NBA insider Brett Siegel suggested that suspensions are unlikely, though he acknowledged there is a case for them.
“I doubt the NBA office will suspend the players for this, but Rudy Gobert and Bones Hyland did step foot on the court, enter the altercation, and escalate things at the end of tonight’s game. No Denver bench players were directly involved,” Siegel wrote.
I doubt the NBA office will suspend the players for this, but Rudy Gobert and Bones Hyland did step foot on the court, enter the altercation, and escalate things at the end of tonight’s game.
No Denver bench players were directly involved. pic.twitter.com/httsh9SZeC
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 26, 2026
In another post, Siegel explained that players who left the bench might avoid suspension because they were attempting to break up the altercation.
“Here is a great example of why players likely won’t be suspended from tonight’s altercation with Denver and Minnesota. LaMelo Ball left the bench area in a similar fashion to Rudy Gobert and Aaron Gordon, but nobody was directly involved, instead trying to get everyone separated,” he noted.
Here is a great example of why players likely won’t be suspended from tonight’s altercation with Denver and Minnesota.
LaMelo Ball left the bench area in a similar fashion to Rudy Gobert and Aaron Gordon but nobody was directly involved, instead trying to get everyone separated. https://t.co/X0OfvtUDvl
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 26, 2026
However, the rules clearly state that players must not leave the “immediate vicinity” of the bench. Gobert, Gordon, and Hyland appear to be in violation.
One user cited the 2007 Phoenix Suns case, in which two players were suspended for a similar infraction.
“Nope, rules are rules. Suns got screwed on this rule in 2007 for 2 players barely leaving the bench,” @MrAZSports wrote.
Nope, rules are rules. Suns got screwed on this rule in 2007 for 2 players barely leaving the bench https://t.co/fs0sMi5xgH pic.twitter.com/OqDE1cBsZf
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) April 26, 2026
“I think Gobert is gonna be suspended as well which would suck for the Wolves I think Gordon, Hyland, and Gobert will all be suspended,” wrote sports theorist McCade Pearson.
NBA writer Tomer Azarly argued that if anyone deserves a suspension, it should be Jokic for initiating the incident.
“If anyone should be suspended, it should be Jokić for starting this whole thing. Had 47 minutes and 57 seconds to show any fight, and he waited until the final 3 seconds. (I don’t think anyone should be suspended though),” he wrote.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jokić said he did not regret his actions and believed there is an unwritten rule against scoring once the outcome is decided.
Both perspectives have merit, but McDaniels has clearly been trying to get under the Nuggets’ skin, even calling them “bad defenders” after Game 2.
That approach may be working, as Minnesota now leads the series 3-1. However, with injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo on Saturday, maintaining that lead could be challenging.
Game 5 will take place Monday at Ball Arena in Denver, with the Nuggets needing to win every remaining game to advance.
