By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Most fans in United Center were not happy to see Nikola Jokic ejected in the second quarter, despite his exit naturally favoring the Chicago Bulls over the Denver Nuggets. Nevertheless, the defending NBA champions prevailed and jumped to 16-9 on Tuesday.
“I am just happy that we did not play this game in Serbia,” said Jokic, “It could have been fun to see how it would be handled.”
It was Serbian heritage night in Chicago with plenty of locals with roots from his home country in attendance, eager to enjoy the Joker. Jokic was instead limited to 16 minutes, tallying four points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
“He was ejected after one technical foul because he directed profane language at the official that by our standards warranted an ejection,” explained crew chief Mark Lindsay.
“Some guys can say whatever. I think sometimes what I said is not even a technical foul,” the Serbian center expressed his disagreement, “I crossed the line. But sometimes that word does not cross the line.”
Recovering from Jokic being tossed for the second time in the 2023-24 Regular Season, the Nuggets picked up a second win in such a demanding situation. “Maybe that is the key,” he jokingly commented, “Maybe that is the way to go.”
“When I heard what he said, I said I do not understand the problem, because when I grew up, that was a term of endearment in my house,” reacted head coach Michael Malone.
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