Nikola Jokić and coach Michael Malone were shocked when he was thrown before halftime on Tuesday night at the United Center.

The ejection of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić from their win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night caused a stir among spectators and announcers at the United Center.

In the lane before halftime, Jokić attempted a reverse layup through Bulls big Nikola Vučević. Jokić struggled to avoid contact while missing the layup. Bulls got the rebound and the play changed immediately.

Jokić rushed down the court and addressed the official before returning to defense. After two technical fouls, Jokić was ejected from the game.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone was confused, and NBC Sports Chicago announcers called the ejection “terrible” and “excessive.”

Although the details are unclear, Jokić’s remarks clearly irritated the official. Thus, his night ended. He had four points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 16 minutes.

Two-time league MVP Jokić, fresh from a title run with the Nuggets, averaged a career-high 28.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 9.6 assists this season, his ninth in the league. He’s been ejected twice this season.

Nuggets, who have lost three of four, led the Bulls 57-50 at halftime. They led practically the whole game, except for the first quarter, and pulled ahead in the second half to win 114-106.

Coby White scored 27 points on 8-of-15 shooting for the Bulls in the loss. Vučević scored 26 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. The Bulls have lost two straight following a four-game victory streak and are 9-15 overall.

In Jokić’s absence, Reggie Jackson led the Nuggets with 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Julian Strawther scored 16 off the bench and Michael Porter Jr. added 17 points and seven rebounds.