The Denver Nuggets edged out the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the playoffs, but not without some drama. Nikola Jokic nearly posted a triple-double with 29 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. However, the real showstopper was his unexpected tussle with analyst Jeff Van Gundy over a loose ball.
A Play that Sparked Controversy
The ball sailed out of bounds, and Van Gundy, being the seasoned coach and analyst he is, wasn’t about to let it go without a fight. As Jokic tried to quickly inbound the ball, Van Gundy held on tight, seemingly savoring the moment. The two engaged in a brief tug-of-war, with Jokic eventually emerging victorious.
Jokic and Van Gundy fighting for the ball. 🤣🤣
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 19, 2025
Jokic’s Take on the Incident
After the game, Jokic spoke out about Van Gundy’s antics, saying, “Now it’s part of the game, although I don’t think it should be. The league made it clear they want quicker ball inbounds – they emphasized that before the season started.” He added that some players still try to stall, despite the rules against it.
Jokic’s comments highlight a growing concern in the league. With the emphasis on faster-paced games, players and analysts alike are being watched closely for any attempts to slow the game down. Van Gundy’s actions, while perhaps entertaining, raised eyebrows among players and fans.