CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after he was ejected from the game by referee Mousa Dagher #28 (not pictured) against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on December 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
When the fans are booing you for ejecting a player from the opposing(!!!) team, you know you’re doing something wrong.
That’s what happened last night at the United Center in Chicago, as the refs were showered with boos from Bulls fans after they decided to eject Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic for arguing a call.
Based on the video, it didn’t seem like Jokic had done much. But the officials clearly felt otherwise, as they ejected the two-time NBA MVP late in the first half.
Even the Bulls’ play-by-play team were not impressed with the call, as they pointed out that the fans in attendance paid their hard-earned money to watch Jokic, not the refs.
As for the fans on ‘X,’ they were all quick to question whether the game was “rigged,” based on the highly-questionable call from the officials.
The NBA and their officials definitely have some explaining to do — although it’s highly unlikely that they’ll have to answer for their controversial decision.
In the end, the call affected Jokic bettors, but not the Nuggets or anyone who placed a wager on them, as Denver overcame the loss of their top player and covered the 6.5-point spread with a 114-106 victory.