Nikola Jokic Addresses Heated Altercation With Jaden McDaniels

Despite first-half injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo on Saturday night, the Minnesota Timberwolvesheld on behind a huge performance from Ayo Dosunmu, who scored 43 points, to defeat the Denver Nuggets 112-96 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

However, the game didn't end without controversy. With the outcome already decided and players seemingly easing off, Timberwolves two-way forward Jaden McDaniels scored in the final seconds, drawing frustration from the Nuggets bench.

As expected, the moment didn't sit well with Denver, particularly Nikola Jokic, who took exception and quickly approached McDaniels. The situation escalated into a face-to-face confrontation before players from both teams stepped in to separate them.

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Jokic addressed his reasoning for confronting McDaniels, saying it stemmed from the fact that play had essentially stopped when McDaniels scored late in the game.

"Because he scored and everybody stopped playing," Jokic said. "Come on guys, you saw what happened."

David Adelman, head coach of the Denver Nuggets, echoed Jokic's comments and took a subtle shot at Jaden McDaniels during his postgame press conference.

"I didn't like what McDaniels did," Adelman said. "The game was over… in 2026 that stuff just doesn't happen anymore. That's something that happens in the '80s where teams would continue to score, but that's who he is."

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 2:06 PM.