Nikola Jokic faced an unusual challenge during the Nuggets' playoff opener against the Clippers when Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy physically prevented him from retrieving the ball after a turnover. This bizarre moment, occurring in a crucial game phase, sparked discussions about rules and game pace. Nuggets coach David Adelman voiced his disbelief over the incident, indicating a need for clarity on rules concerning ball retrieval during plays.

Despite the chaos, Jokic continued to excel, finishing the game with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. His determination to play quickly often puts defenses on the back foot, yet this incident with Van Gundy led to some reflection on the strategies used by both teams to control game tempo.