NBA legends Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal recently discussed the altercation between Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris during a game between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. The incident occurred when Morris delivered a hard foul on Jokic, leading to Jokic retaliating with a blindside shoulder bump that knocked Morris to the floor.

Barkley and O'Neal shared their thoughts on the incident during a segment on the Inside the NBA show. They both agreed that Morris should not have turned his back on Jokic after the initial foul. According to Barkley, "You can't hit somebody and then turn your back because that's a coward move.

" O'Neal echoed this sentiment, stating that players should be prepared for potential retaliation if they initiate physical contact.

The former NBA stars also recognized that the league has implemented stricter rules regarding altercations on the court. Barkley mentioned that in the past, players would simply confront each other and move on, without any suspensions or fines. However, both Barkley and O'Neal acknowledged that the league is now cracking down on violent acts and responding with appropriate punishments.

The discussion then shifted to Jokic's retaliation and whether it was justified. Barkley asserted that Jokic had every right to retaliate, given that Morris had hit him from behind. He argued that players need to protect themselves physically on the court, and Jokic did just that. O'Neal agreed, stating that Jokic's response was a natural reaction to being blindsided.

Furthermore, O'Neal expressed his support for Jokic's actions, suggesting that Morris deserved to be knocked down for his hard foul. He noted that he wouldn't have let the incident slide, either. O'Neal emphasized that players should always defend and stand up for themselves.

In conclusion, Barkley and O'Neal provided their analysis and reactions to the Jokic-Morris fight. They agreed that Morris made a mistake by turning his back on Jokic after delivering a hard foul. They also recognized that the NBA has become more stringent in penalizing violent actions on the court. Additionally, they both agreed that Jokic's retaliation was justified, given the circumstances of being blindsided. O'Neal expressed his support for Jokic's response, emphasizing the importance of players standing up for themselves on the court.