Nikola Jokic Causes a Stir in the NBA Playoffs: A Hilarious Foul When He Used His Opponent’s Hand to ‘Choke’ Himself?

Nikola Jokic, already regarded as one of the most gifted basketball players of all time, has made a name for himself not only through his jaw-dropping stats but also through his unique brand of humor and on-court creativity. In Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic once again stole the spotlight—but not only for his scoring brilliance.

In what might be one of the most bizarre and hilarious foul-drawing attempts in recent NBA history, Jokic found himself entangled with Thunder big man Jaylin Williams in the third quarter. The result? A wild moment where the two players locked up mid-play, and Jokic—perhaps out of desperation or improvisation—dragged Williams across the floor while his arm was wrapped around Jokic’s neck, essentially choking himself in the process.

The moment was immediately flagged across social media, quickly turning into one of the most talked-about sequences of the playoffs. Fans, analysts, and former players couldn’t believe what they saw: Jokic trying to draw a foul by using his opponent’s arm to simulate a headlock—only to end up with an offensive foul instead.

The Tangle Heard Around the NBA

It all began midway through the third quarter of a tense and closely fought game. With Jokic battling in the post, Jaylin Williams positioned himself in front of him to prevent an easy bucket. As the two jostled for space, Williams’ arm somehow ended up looped around Jokic’s shoulder, and that’s when the chaotic sequence unfolded.

Jokic, never one to miss an opportunity to sell contact, latched onto Williams and began moving, dragging his defender several feet while the arm remained hooked around his neck. Whether he was trying to draw a flagrant, sell a hold, or simply exaggerate contact remains up for debate—but the visual effect was comical and dramatic all at once.

When the dust settled, the referees assessed Jokic with an offensive foul, halting Denver’s momentum at a critical juncture of the game. Jokic, clearly stunned by the call, gestured toward the officials, likely believing he was the one being fouled.

Jokic’s Legacy: Skill and Savvy with a Side of Shenanigans

What makes Nikola Jokic so fascinating is the blend of raw skill and elite basketball IQ he brings to the game. He’s a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and the anchor of a championship-level franchise. But underneath that quiet demeanor is a deeply competitive and, at times, theatrical player.

This isn’t the first time Jokic has tried to influence officiating with his body language and antics. He’s known for expressive reactions—clapping his hands in frustration, pleading for whistles, or dramatically flopping after contact. But the Game 5 incident with Jaylin Williams might be the most over-the-top attempt yet.

The image of Jokic wrapping himself in his opponent’s arm and pulling him down the court while seemingly choking himself was both absurd and strangely genius. It’s the kind of moment that goes viral precisely because it blurs the line between intentional theatrics and sheer improvisation.

NBA Twitter Reacts: Jokic the “Method Actor”

Within minutes, the clip was trending online. NBA fans dubbed Jokic everything from a “method actor” to a “foul-drawing savant.” Memes flooded the internet, with some comparing the scene to professional wrestling or Olympic judo.

A popular freeze-frame from the sequence shows Jokic mid-stagger with Williams’s arm clenched around his neck, almost as if he’s in a self-applied chokehold. The commitment to the bit was Oscar-worthy.

Even media personalities weighed in. One analyst joked,
“Jokic was one flop away from an Emmy. That was the most dramatic self-choke in NBA history.”

Despite the humor, the play did raise legitimate questions about how officials interpret contact, particularly in physical playoff games where emotions run high and players try every trick in the book to gain an edge.

The Call: Why Officials Penalized Jokic

Although both players were engaged in physical contact, referees determined that Jokic initiated the unnatural movement and was therefore responsible for the offensive foul. While the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams had his arm in an awkward position, the officials interpreted Jokic’s dragging maneuver as excessive and unnatural.

In their eyes, Jokic attempted to force a foul call through exaggeration, rather than reacting to actual illegal contact. It’s a subtle distinction, but one that often determines outcomes in the playoffs. Referees are generally more tolerant of physical play, especially in post matchups, but they are less forgiving when players attempt to “sell” fouls in dramatic fashion.

For Jokic and the Nuggets, the call couldn’t have come at a worse time. Denver was clinging to a lead and trying to stop a surging Thunder squad. The offensive foul stalled a possession and allowed Oklahoma City to build momentum heading into the final quarter.

Jaylin Williams Stays Composed Under Pressure

While much of the spotlight was on Jokic, it’s worth noting that Jaylin Williams handled the situation with poise. He didn’t retaliate or escalate the incident, and instead focused on his assignment. Williams, known for his physical defense and hustle, stuck with his game plan and let the referees make the call.

Williams’s ability to stay grounded likely played a role in the officials’ perception of the play. Jokic’s dramatic actions may have seemed exaggerated in comparison, tipping the scales toward an offensive foul rather than offsetting penalties.

Another Chapter in Jokic’s Colorful Playoff History

This incident adds to Nikola Jokic’s growing list of playoff highlights, both brilliant and bizarre. From game-winning passes to scuffles, no postseason is complete without a Jokic moment that gets people talking.

His combination of elite production and quirky personality makes him a unique figure in NBA lore. One minute, he’s hitting a no-look dime through traffic; the next, he’s caught in a meme-worthy tangle with a defender.

In many ways, Jokic’s on-court antics mirror his unorthodox style. He doesn’t jump high or move fast, but his brain moves at light speed. He sees angles others don’t. Sometimes that results in perfect assists. Other times, it results in accidentally choking himself while trying to sell a foul.

What This Means for the Nuggets

While the moment was humorous, it underscores a serious reality for the Denver Nuggets. They are now down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination. Game 5 was a must-win opportunity to regain control, and while Jokic was nearly flawless statistically—scoring 44 points on 68% shooting—the team lacked composure and execution down the stretch.

Incidents like the foul attempt highlight the Nuggets’ growing frustration. They’ve struggled to match Oklahoma City’s pace and depth, and with the supporting cast underperforming, Jokic has had to do it all. As brilliant as he is, basketball is still a team sport, and without consistent contributions from players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and others, Denver faces a steep uphill climb.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

Heading into Game 6, all eyes will be on how the Nuggets respond—not only strategically but emotionally. Jokic will need to channel his energy into leading by example. If he can match his Game 5 performance with a more disciplined team effort, the Nuggets still have a shot at turning the series around.

Coach Michael Malone must emphasize discipline and avoid getting caught in the emotional traps that playoff basketball often brings. Drawing fouls is part of the game, but antics like the Williams-Jokic tangle can backfire if referees view them as unsportsmanlike or exaggerated.