The tension is gone.
After an awkward Game 4 brawl between Nikola Jokic and Matt Ischia overshadowed the game itself, the Denver Nuggets center got nice with the Phoenix suns owner before Tuesday tip-off of Game 5.
Ishbia showed up to a courtside seat, despite the series being moved to Denver. He arrived early to watch the pregame warmups. Jokic took notice, and went over to hand the ball to the Suns' owner before leaving the locker room. The two then shared a hug.
Ishbia didn't keep the ball.
It was a far cry from Sunday night in Phoenix. With the game over late in the second quarter, the ball bounced out of bounds and into the courtside seats. Ishbia screwed it up. When Jokic went to the seats to retrieve it, Ishbia refused to leave.
After this, Jokic forcefully released the ball from Ishbia's hands. Ishbia put his hand on Jokic's lower back, then Jokic pushed him with his forearm. Ishbia fell back in his seat, fluttering in his arms.
Jokic was issued a technical foul, and the Suns tied the series 2–2 with a 129–124 victory. He was later fined $25,000, but not suspended. Ishbia was not disciplined for his participation and traveled with his team to Denver for Game 5.
And now the pair appear to be on much better terms.