Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic went viral for his low-key reaction to the franchise’s first-ever NBA title.
Just after his team clinched a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat, the Serbian-born player appeared far more interested in returning to his home country than in joining in the traditional post-season celebrations.
When ESPN reporter Lisa Saulters approached Jokic court-side, asking how it felt to finally be an NBA champion after playing for eight seasons, he acknowledged that he was glad to have won, but made it clear that going home was top of mind.
“It’s good, it’s good,” he said of the feeling, but then quickly added, “But the job is done. We can go home now.”
"The job is done, we can go home now." ????
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets complete the mission of bringing the 2022-23 NBA Championship to Denver! pic.twitter.com/Af9nOROEfz
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2023
The sentiment appeared to carry Jokic through another post-game interview, when a different reporter asked specifically about the upcoming championship parade.
“You said after the Lakers win, you said that you were surprised you didn’t feel more, so I’m curious what you are feeling right now, and if you’re looking forward to a parade coming up in Denver,” the reporter said.
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Jokić was asked if he's looking forward to the Championship parade.
"No. I need to go home." ???? pic.twitter.com/1ZkPSG6mFe
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 13, 2023
Jokic turned away from the microphone and asked someone outside of the frame to tell him when the parade was supposed to be happening.
“Thursday,” someone said, and Jokic covered his face with his hand.
“No,” he said. “I need to go home.”
CBS sports personality Aaron West commented on Jokic’s reaction, saying, “I know there are 17 million narratives around Jokic and his personality, but man I have never related more to ‘introverted man is tired from work, simply wishes to go home to family’ lmao.”
Jokic revealed that he was in a hurry to return home to Sombor because, as he said, “On Sundays, I have my horse racing.”
"On Sundays, I have my horse racing" ☠️
Even after being crowned champion, The Joker is only worried about one thing ???????? pic.twitter.com/n3VmVZzk3I
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 13, 2023
The 28-year-old reportedly owns six horses already, and has said that he plans to buy another following the championship.