Nuggets-Timberwolves fight: Nikola Jokic gets into animated shoving match with Minnesota in tense Game 6

The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have become one of the fiercest rivalries in the NBA over the past few years, highlighted by their tight first-round series this year. This is the third time in four years these two teams have met in the playoffs, creating bad blood on both sides. At the center of that is Nikola Jokic, who has allowed his temper to get the best of him a few times this series.

Late in Game 6, Jokic got into another scuffle with several Timberwolves players as the intensity ramped up. The Nuggets entered the game one loss away from elimination, so Denver’s emotions were already high.

Here’s a look at the fight between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.

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Nuggets-Timberwolves fight

In the fourth quarter of a close Game 6 between Denver and Minnesota, Nikola Jokic and Jaylen Clark shoved each other to start a scuffle. The incident came after the play, as Clark gave a small shove to Jokic before Jokic retaliated against the Timberwolves guard.

As things escalated, the rest of the players got involved, including Naz Reid, who also shoved Jokic in the back.

Jaylen Clark and Nikola Jokic get involved in a scuffle 🍿pic.twitter.com/n3VF6vAUuW

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 1, 2026The sides were separated before the scuffle escalated, as there were no ejections. Still, Clark, Reid and Jokic were all assessed technical fouls for their roles, which resulted in a free throw attempt for the Nuggets.

This is the second time this series the two sides have gotten into a shoving match. At the end of Game 4, Jokic was unhappy with Jalen McDaniels scoring late during a blowout, claiming he should’ve just dribbled out the clock.

NIKOLA JOKIC GOES AFTER JADEN MCDANIELS FIGHT BREAKS OUT. OH MY. pic.twitter.com/YnRsvdw3KY

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 26, 2026

Nikola Jokic foul trouble vs. Timberwolves

Jokic was already playing a dangerous game as he had four fouls when he decided to retaliate on Clark. However, technical fouls don't count towards the common foul total, so Jokic was lucky he didn't get a step closer to being disqualified from the contest.