Suns, Nuggets players get into shoving match at end of 3rd quarter of Game 5 in Denver

Another Suns-Nuggets playoff game, another sideline scuffle.

In the closing seconds of the third quarter of Game 5 in Denver, with the Nuggets in complete control, the Suns’ players on the floor gathered around coach Monty Williams to discuss strategy. Williams has his white board, and Devin Booker prepared to shoot free throws.

The Nuggets players, however, seemed to take exception with what was a legal huddle by NBA rules. Several players began inserting themselves in the Suns’ scrum, including Bruce Brown and Nikola Jokic. Yes, the same Jokic who was involved in a Game 4 incident with Suns team owner Mat Ishbia in Phoenix.

© Michael Chow, Michael Chow/The Republic May 9, 2023; Denver, Colo., U.S.; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul talks with orward Kevin Durant (35) during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals at Ball Arena.

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It came to a head when the Suns’ Kevin Durant, who apparently had enough of the buzzing Nuggets, lightly shoved Jokic backward. He leaned back, arms flailing, and an official immediately signaled a technical foul against Durant.

After video review, the officials ruled a second technical, against Brown, and cooler heads prevailed. The Nuggets led 91-74 going into the fourth quarter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns, Nuggets players get into shoving match at end of 3rd quarter of Game 5 in Denver