The current NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was ejected from the Denver Nuggets’ win over the Miami Heat on Monday night after a vicious cheap shot to Markieff Morris in the final minutes of the game. It was a nasty blow from Jokic and a stretcher was brought onto the floor for Morris who himself was tossed from the game but he was able to leave the floor on his own.
Immediately after, Morris’ Heat teammates came to his aid. Jimmy Butler, the leader of the team, was furious and wanted a piece of the entire Nuggets organization.
“It’s a stupid play, I feel bad,” Jokic said. “I’m not supposed to react that way. I got hit. I saw him, but I thought it was just gonna be like a take foul. But he bumped me and I was like, I think it was a dirty play and I just needed to protect myself.” He did seem somewhat remorseful at that point but i think he can expect an email from the league office.
The Heat announced that Morris suffered from a neck injury and will undergo further evaluation. “He’s moving around in the locker room right now,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ll do the necessary tests and do what we need to do (to) make sure he’s OK.”
Jokic had 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists before being ejected.
Jimmy Butler continued his recent offensive onslaught with a game high 31 points to lead Miami.
The Nuggets improved to 6-4 in the win, while the Heat fell to 7-3.
Thankfully, Morris was able to walk off the floor. Actually it was his hard foul that started it, but Jokic simply overreacted . I expect a rather lengthy suspension is coming for the reigning league MVP.
