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Nikola Jokic rarely broadcasts his affection for the game. Yet following the Denver Nuggets' preseason win on Sunday, the three-time MVP made his feelings unusually clear.
"I love to win the game. I love basketball," Jokic said after the Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 133-128. "I think every day details matter, especially when the young guys are playing. It's good to see how they learn, they care, and I enjoy it."
Between his reserved personality and his well-known passion for horse racing, Jokic has often been viewed as someone who treats basketball more like a profession than an obsession.
So, his candid "I love basketball" statement served as a clear reminder of his genuine passion for the sport.
His play against Chicago offered further proof. In just 26 minutes, Jokic recorded a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
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Jokic stays engaged even after his night is over
Although the Serbian center sat out the fourth quarter, he remained heavily involved from the sideline while Denver's younger players closed out the contest.
Throughout the closing stretch, he talked teammates through possessions, pointed out tactical details, and essentially served as an extra coach.
That level of engagement prompted a sideline reporter to ask afterward why he was so invested in the final minutes of a preseason game.
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