Jokic’s brother punches fan at Nuggets-Lakers game

Nikola Jokic’s brother appeared to punch a fan after the Denver Nuggets’ victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

A video circulating online shows Strahinja Jokic throwing haymakers in the stands at Ball Arena. The elder Jokic, sporting his younger brother’s jersey, can be seen working his way through a crowd to swing at a fan in a T-shirt. Another brother, Nemanja Jokic, follows and appears to de-escalate the situation.

The Denver crowd was energized as the Nuggets completed a 20-point comeback, winning on a Jamal Murray buzzer-beater to gain a 2-0 series lead.

TMZ Sports reported that the NBA is investigating the off-court altercation. Jokic and the Nuggets have not released any public comments.

Jokic’s brothers have attracted media attention in previous years. In November 2021, Strahinja and Nemanja opened a Twitter account and feuded with Marcus and Markieff Morris over a controversial foul call.

The pair made headlines again during Denver’s 2023 playoff series against the Lakers. Videos showed them heckling and taunting actor Jack Nicholson after the Nuggets took a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Nikola Jokic shined on Tuesday night, posting 27 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in the win.

The off-court drama continued during LeBron James’ postgame press conference. The 20-time All-Star criticized the officiating and the league’s video review process before abruptly leaving.

“I don’t understand what’s going on in the replay center, to be honest,” James said, critiquing a late review from the officials that found no foul on a D’Angelo Russell layup attempt. “It doesn’t make sense. It makes no sense. It bothers me.”