The scrap involving Nikola Jokic’s brothers after the Nuggets beat the Lakers is under police investigation.
Denver police are “actively trying to track down the man” who was punched by one of Jokic’s older brothers on Monday night, according to TMZ.
Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic have for years been boisterous supporters of their younger brother at his games, and video of a confrontation involving the two brothers and another fan went viral after the Nuggets defeated the Lakers 101-99 at the Ball Arena on Monday night.
In the video, Strahinja Jokic appeared to punch an unidentified fan at the conclusion of an argument.
Per TMZ, cops are “reviewing the clip circulating social media in hopes of identifying the man” and also calling on anyone who witnessed the event to step forward.
Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalija, was also present at the scene, holding their young baby, and appeared to be attempting to play peacemaker in the dispute.
TMZ reported that the NBA is also investigating the incident.
Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP who is also the favorite to win the award for the 2023-24 season, scored 27 points and nabbed 20 rebounds as the Nuggets erased a 20-point deficit and took a 2-0 lead over the Lakers in their best-of-seven first round series on Monday night.
His older brothers have gotten tangentially involved in disputes before.
In 2021, when the Nuggets played the Heat, Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris got in an altercation in which Morris stiff-armed Jokic to the ground.
After the game, Morris’ brother, Marcus, tweeted for Jokic to watch his back.
Jokic’s older brothers responded on a joint X account, “You should leave this the way it is instead of publicly threatening our brother! Your brother made a dirty play first . If you want to make a step further be sure we will be waiting for you !!”
The tweet has since been deleted.
Later that season, when there was an altercation between Suns and the Nuggets in the playoffs, the Jokic brothers appeared to want in on the action.
