Nikola Jokic Criticizes Denver Crowd After Slow Start

Nikola Jokic Criticizes Denver Crowd After Slow Start Against New Orleans

Nikola Jokic delivered a 35-point triple-double and a postgame rebuke of home supporters after the Denver Nuggets overcame a 22-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime at Ball Arena. The triple MVP took aim at spectators who jeered the squad during a sluggish third quarter on opening night, stating that supporters who voiced frustration do not need to return to the arena.

Trailing by 22 Points Sparks Ball Arena Jeers

The home crowd’s patience wore thin midway through the third quarter as visiting New Orleans extended an advantage that had reached 23 points in the preceding period. Denver struggled, prompting widespread booing from the stands. Those jeers proved short-lived as the Nuggets mounted a rally to force an extra five-minute session where Denver sealed the six-point victory.

Postgame Remarks Target Unhappy Supporters

Speaking to reporters after the final buzzer, Jokic did not hide his displeasure with the fans who turned on the team during its early struggles. “We got booed in our first home game, and I think the fans who booed us don’t need to come anymore,” Jokic stated in a post-match press conference. “If you follow us, you know that we never give up and we’ve already come back from much worse situations. So, if you ask me, they are no longer welcome.” Such direct criticism remains rare for the Serbian center, who typically avoids public confrontations with supporters.

Triple-Double Milestone Nears Westbrook’s Mark

Before issuing his warning to the stands, Jokic answered on the hardwood alongside partner Jamal Murray, who poured in 42 points. In 43 minutes on the floor, Jokic shot 12 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 10 from beyond the arc, while grabbing 15 rebounds, dishing 10 assists, and blocking 4 shots. The performance marked his 199th career triple-double in regular season play, leaving him 10 behind former teammate Russell Westbrook, who has 209 in the regular season. When informed by a reporter that he had surpassed Westbrook when including postseason games, Jokic offered a measured response: “For sure, it’s something I will always find nice for the rest of my career.”

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