Avoiding prison time! Nikola Jokic's brother sentenced to 12 months probation for fighting at the 2024 playoffs stands

On October 11th Beijing time, Strahinja Jokic, brother of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, was given a 12-month probation sentence for punching a fan in the stands during the 2024 NBA playoffs.

TMZ Sports reported that a Denver judge issued the probation ruling today. Prior to this, Strahinja had admitted guilt to charges of "trespassing" and "disrupting public order."

The incident took place on April 23, 2024, during the second game of the Western Conference first-round playoff, when the Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 101-99.

The Nuggets won the game with a buzzer-beater by Jamal Murray. After the game, a confrontation broke out in the stands; video footage shows Strahinja first arguing with another fan, then landing a punch to the fan’s face. Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalia, was nearby holding their daughter and trying to stop the altercation from escalating.

Three months later, the involved fan told investigators that the fight was unprovoked and that he suffered a concussion from the punch, leading to Strahinja being charged with assault.

Strahinja claimed he was protecting an elderly person at the time. In January this year, he pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault charges.

According to Denver TV reporter Jeremy Jochola, Strahinja avoided jail by pleading guilty to misdemeanor trespassing and minor disorderly conduct. Jochola also noted that any violation of probation terms could still result in imprisonment.

In that playoff series, the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, eliminated the Lakers 4-1 to advance to the next round. Jokic is currently preparing for his 11th NBA season, which will begin later this month.