The NBA is reportedly investigating an incident in which Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic's older brother appeared to punch a fan during Monday's (April 22) win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their Western Conference Playoffs first-round series at Ball Arena, TMZ Sports reports.
A video shared online shows Strahinja Jokic hopping over a seat and down one row to throw a punch at another fan in attendance. Both men continued to yell at each other as Strahinja's brother, Nemanja, followed behind. The two-time NBA MVP's wife, Natalija, and their young daughter were also spotted just behind the melee as it took place in the video.
The Jokic brothers have gained a reputation for defending their younger brother at games amid his emergence as one of the NBA's brightest stars, which includes past physical incidents with fans and heated exchanges with officials. The Serbian center is less than a full year removed from winning his first NBA championship and is favored to be named NBA MVP for a third time in four seasons.
Jokic finished Monday's game with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in 41 minutes of action. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray hit a game-winning 15-foot shot as time expired to give Denver a 2-0 lead as the series heads to Los Angeles for Game 3.