NBA Makes Very Controversial Ruling on Nikola Jokic Play

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was called for a flop on this play

The NBA has been cracking down on flopping violations this season, and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was one of the latest recipients of a flopping technical foul. Handed the violation in a win over the Detroit Pistons, Jokic was given a flopping technical for a play that has been very controversial:

Referee Ben Taylor called Jokic flop for this play. This is one of the stupidest calls by an @nba referee. Knox's push is clear, except for this incompetent referee. This is out of control, how deficient these referees are. @NBAOfficial pic.twitter.com/OM9mU9WYVT

— BasqueTradamus (@basketradamus) January 8, 2024

As the video shows, Jokic was pushed by Kevin Knox with two hands. This resulted in what the official ruled a flop on Jokic, but it seems as if his movement was a result of the push from Knox. Even if Jokic exaggerated the contact a bit, it's understandable why this ruling has been so controversial, because there was substancial contact that preceded what the official deemed a flop.

While it's understandable why the NBA is looking to be more strict on flops, it's also difficult to understand why certain plays are handed violations, while others are not. This play seemed to be much less of a flop than some others that are ignored, which is where players have gotten frustrated when it comes to understanding what the officials are allowing and what they are not.

For Jokic and the Nuggets, this was ultimately inconsequential, as they took care of the Pistons with ease. That said, it was understandably frustrating in the moment, and has been a controversial play among fans as well.

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