Game 1 wasn’t without a bit of drama, as a brief but noticeable moment of controversy unfolded late in the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers.
As reported by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic found himself in a minor altercation when he attempted to snatch the ball away from Clippers lead assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy and head trainer Jasen Powell during a stoppage in play.
The Clippers’ bench was in the process of deciding whether to challenge a call, a challenge that ultimately failed.
A video of the moment quickly circulated on social media, showing Jokic aggressively reaching for the ball, seemingly trying to prevent the Clippers from buying time to initiate a review.
The incident immediately drew comparisons to a similar situation involving Jokic during the 2023 playoffs, when he famously got tangled up with Suns owner Mat Ishbia while trying to retrieve the ball.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue downplayed the incident but acknowledged the tactical savvy behind Jokic’s actions.
“I didn’t see it. I didn’t see it,” Lue said initially, before commenting further.
“(Jokic) did what he needed to do to try to get the ball in fast. But that’s smart. If a team has a chance to challenge, you want to get the ball in quickly. Tell our guys to do the same thing. But he is the best at it.”
In essence, Jokic’s quick instincts and gamesmanship – whether perceived as aggressive or just strategic – highlighted his deep understanding of in-game nuances.
While it may have ruffled a few feathers on the Clippers’ sideline, it underscored how every second counts during tightly contested playoff moments and how Jokic is always looking for an edge, however small it may seem.
Russell Westbrook delivered in the clutch on Saturday: https://t.co/fHIJZlRBFF
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 21, 2025
