As the Minnesota Timberwolves sealed the deal with a gutsy Game 4 win over the Denver Nuggets, Jaden McDaniels tested Nikola Jokic and his team.
The veteran standout, who has been more outspoken than anybody else in the series, violated one of the league’s unwritten rules.
The game was clearly over, and McDaniels decided to lay in an additional bucket while alone on the opposite end of the floor compared to everybody else. Jokic flew over to McDaniels, and the move sparked a late-game scuffle between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves.
After the game, Jokic caught heat for his move.
Nikola Jokic Under Fire For Storming At Jaden McDaniels
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after being defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers 127-125 in overtime of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Here’s how NBA fans reacted to the situation on X:
OH MY GOODNESS. 🍿🍿🍿
Threaves: Jokic is mad that McDaniels called his ass out and dog walked him 😭😭
Fleckgoat: Jokic is such a loser man
PHIwhite0: Jokic only wants to fight if you have your back turned
AkiEezie: Whenever he plays bad he always does shi like this it’s crazy
Babytron_szn: JOKIC MAD BECAUSE MCDANIELS WAS RIGHT AND FRIED HIM LMAOOOOOO
Justinnkellyyy: Jokic getting owned by gobert all series he’s trying to fight over a layup, most defense i’ve seen from him😭😭
NoLimitJae2_: That’s the most defense jokic played all series
Dswervo305: Jokic is such a bum, throws enough bricks to build a hotel and with a second left downtown, he plays the most defense He’s played all season.
Nuggets-Timberwolves Series Is Heating Up
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Jaden McDaniels #3 and Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on after Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Jaden McDaniels hasn’t held back with his thoughts on Jokic and the Nuggets throughout the series. Even after a Game 1 Timberwolves loss, McDaniels confidently stated that is Rudy Gobert continued to play defense the way he did on Jokic, Minnesota would win.
Since then, the Timberwolves have fired off three wins in a row, and Jokic is struggling more than ever.
In Game 4, Jokic checked in for 41 minutes. He shot 8-22 from the field and missed all three of his attempts from three. The veteran center finished the game with 24 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, three steals, one block, and four turnovers.
The Timberwolves wrapped up the game with a 112-96 win.
It’s unclear if the NBA will issue punishments for those involved in Saturday’s scuffle or not. But the Timberwolves have bigger fish to fry, as they are going to move forward down Donte DiVincenzo and potentially Anthony Edwards in Game 5.