Nikola Jokic’s physical contact with Enes Kanter on a box out during a free throw attempt in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on Friday night has sparked plenty of discussion.
Jokic was seen ramming into Kanter on a free throw attempt during the second quarter. The play drew particular attention from us because Jokic nailed Kanter in his left shoulder, which was already injured.
presented without comment pic.twitter.com/Wdlm6qfOcq
— Adam Ward (@adamcward) May 4, 2019
Kanter said after the game he thought the league needed to review the play. He has the backing of Portland head coach Terry Stotts, who said the play was “uncalled for.”
Stotts on the shoulder Jokic gave Kanter on the foul line box out in Game 3: “I have seen it and I think it was uncalled for. I don’t know if the league will review it or not. I certainly didn’t approve of it.”
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 4, 2019
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone disagreed, saying he did not find the play to be malicious.
Michael Malone on Stotts’ assessment of this play: “I think Terry’s off base there. I don’t think it was anything malicious. This is the playoffs. We’re all big boys.” Malone goes on to say that Nikola obviously isn’t that type of player. https://t.co/5GXTXfntku
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 4, 2019
The league has not addressed the play yet, but maybe they will. There are two questions at play: was his box out move legal, and was he targeting Kanter’s injured shoulder?
