NBA greats Shaq and Barkley defend Nikola Jokic's actions / News - Basketnews.com

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Two legendary NBA players Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley touched the theme of Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris' conflict on Inside the NBA.

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83%18,3Points made:18,3Accuracy:82,5%Place in standings:3Record max:26Record min:12Most made FTs:Jimmy ButlerTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

They discussed the altercation and stood behind Nikola Jokic.

"That's called retaliation. First of all, when you hit me, don't turn around because I am swinging," said Shaquille O'Neal.

"I have no problem with what the Joker did, I actually like it as a big guy. You got these guys fouling on you, hanging on. He hit him intentionally, so what do you do as a big guy? You go hit him back.

When you hit me, don’t turn your head, because it’s coming. You are either going get it in the front, or you are going get it in the back,” Shaq added.

"Firstly, Morris started it. Joker retaliated, and then people say, 'Well, he hit him in the back.' If you hit me, you better not turn your damn back, because I’m coming back at you. You can’t hit somebody and turn your back," followed Barkley.

"That was nothing basketball-related about what he did for Joker," finished Charles.

Shaquille O'Neal closed the deal by saying that you have to return the message and let them know like, 'Hey, I am not going to tolerate this.'

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was suspended one game without pay by the NBA on Tuesday and the Miami Heat's Markieff Morris was fined $50,000 for an altercation in Monday's game between the players.

The Heat's Jimmy Butler was fined $30,000 for "attempting to escalate the altercation."

Jokic will serve his suspension in Wednesday's home game against the Indiana Pacers.

"I feel bad. It was a stupid play," Jokic said post-game. "I'm not supposed to react that way. I thought it was going to be a take foul, (but) I think it was a dirty play. And I just needed to protect myself. I felt bad; I am not supposed to react that way, but I need to protect myself."

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