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The Denver Nuggets will have to avoid a sweep without their league MVP.
Nikola Jokic was called for a Flagrant 2 foul against Phoenix Suns G Cameron Payne in Game 4, resulting in the MVP center getting tossed.
Nikola Jokić was ejected on this play pic.twitter.com/ft1vAHYB7i
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 14, 2021
The Nuggets were down 83-75 at the time and facing a 3-0 deficit in the series. The latter result is essentially a formality as no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, but Denver will try to avoid getting embarrassed on its home floor.
Jokic had contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes before being sent off the floor. He had come off a ridiculous Game 3 performance of 32 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, although the Nuggets ended up losing the game.
With Jamal Murray sidelined due to an ACL injury, the Nuggets were not expected to realistically contend for a title this season. However, Jokic’s ejection and looming sweep will leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouth.