Nikola Jokić, known for his stoic nature, broke down in tears after his horse won a race in Serbia. The Denver Nuggets star’s emotional celebration was far removed from his usual calm demeanor, showcasing his deep love for horses and their racing success.
Nikola Jokić, the stoic superstar of the Denver Nuggets and a three-time NBA MVP, is widely known for his calm and reserved demeanor on the basketball court. His reaction to winning the 2023 NBA championship was understated, to say the least, leaving many fans and commentators joking about how little emotion he showed in the moment.
But on Sunday, we saw a completely different side of the Serbian giant.
A Moment of Pure Joy
Jokić’s love for horses is well-documented, and this passion took center stage as one of his horses triumphed in a race in Serbia. The victory was a moment Jokić would never forget, and neither would his fans. Arena Sport TV captured the heartfelt moment when Jokić, clearly overwhelmed by emotion, shed tears as he watched his horse cross the finish line.
In a rare display of raw emotion, Jokić put his head in his hands, tears streaming down his face as he processed the win. Without skipping a beat, he hopped a fence to join his horse and the driver, arms wide open in a heartwarming embrace. The happiness was infectious, with Jokić giving his horse a pat on the back and sharing a hug with the driver. His joy was palpable.
The celebrations didn’t end there. As his team walked to the victory circle, Jokić took charge of the champagne bottle. He popped the cork with flair and immediately began showering his team—and his horse—with bubbly joy. The celebrations continued as Jokić poured champagne over the heads of his team members, ultimately saving the last pour for himself. It was an unbridled display of happiness, a moment of pure elation that was worlds apart from his reserved reaction to winning an NBA championship.
Jokić’s Emotional Range: From Basketball to Horses
While Jokić’s reaction to winning the NBA title in 2023 was famously stoic—simply stating, “The job is done. We can go home now”—his celebration of his horse’s victory highlights just how deeply he feels about his other passion: horse racing.
It’s clear that, for Jokić, his horses and their success hold a special place in his heart. While his basketball achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time, nothing, at least in the public eye, seems to compare to the joy he experiences when his horses win.
A True Champion
Despite his seemingly indifferent attitude toward his basketball success, Jokić is undeniably one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. A three-time MVP, NBA champion, and two-time Olympic medalist, Jokić has proven time and again that he cares deeply about his craft. But in moments like these—celebrating a victory in the world of horse racing—Jokić shows us a different side: a side full of unfiltered joy, passion, and a love for the simpler pleasures in life.
As the Denver Nuggets prepare for another season, it’s safe to say that Jokić’s heart remains with his horses, but his focus and commitment to basketball are unwavering. And who knows? Maybe his newfound passion for celebration will translate into more championship victories in the future.
