Nuggets coach Michael Malone was just as perplexed by Nikola Jokić’s ejection from Tuesday’s game versus the Bulls as the rest of the NBA fanbase.
Jokić was ejected in the second quarter of Denver’s 114—106 win over Chicago for arguing with an official about a no-call after he missed a shot at the rim. The official charged him with a technical foul and subsequently ejected him from the game, eliciting boos from the crowd and even disbelief from the Bulls announcers.
It’s believed that Jokić said to the official, “Motherf---er, call the f---ing foul,” according to multiple sources.
In a postgame press conference, Malone responded to Jokić’s NSFW remark, downplaying the seriousness of the incident.
“When I heard what [Jokić] said, I said, ‘I don’t understand the problem because when I grew up, that was a term of endearment.’”
Mike Malone on Jokic’s ejection:
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) December 13, 2023
“He just felt the language that was used warranted an ejection. A one-tech ejection l, which I was very shocked at. And when I heard what he said, I said ‘I don’t understand the problem because when I grew up that was a term of endearment.” pic.twitter.com/0k9M1wLKY7
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon also took a lighthearted approach to Jokic’s ejection and told reporters after Tuesday's win, “We just want Jokić to get ejected as quick as he can... See if we can make it happen from there.”
Prior to his ejection, Jokić had four points, nine rebounds, and six assists. The Serbian big man will be back in action when the Nuggets play the Nets on Thursday.
