Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić has admitted that he still feels nervous before every NBA game, despite winning three MVP awards and an NBA championship. The Serbian center shared his thoughts ahead of Denver’s season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaking to reporters, Jokić explained that pregame nerves remain part of his experience, even after years at the highest level of professional basketball.
Rather than viewing the feeling as a problem, he sees it as a natural part of competing.
“I think that’s exactly why I play this sport,” Jokić said, according to Serbian media.
The three-time MVP added that he does not need extra motivation to return to the court.
Denver Nuggets Prepare for Oklahoma City Thunder
Denver will begin its 2026-27 NBA campaign against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
Jokić said the Nuggets are rested and eager to return to competitive basketball following their preseason preparations.
The Serbian star also discussed his plans to meet fellow countryman Nikola Topić, who plays for Oklahoma City.
Topić is expected to miss the beginning of the season because of a back injury.
Despite the setback, Jokić hopes to spend time with the young Serbian player before the game.
“We’ll go to dinner. We’ll probably watch some games, have a little fun, so I won’t feel nervous,” he said.
The meeting would bring together two Serbian basketball players at different stages of their NBA careers.
Jokić Reflects on Basketball and His Playing Style
During the media session, Jokić also discussed Denver’s offseason addition, Alpha Diallo.
He praised Diallo’s athleticism and ability to reach important positions on the court before opponents.
Jokić also commented on his remarkable passing ability, which continued to attract attention during the preseason.
He suggested that many of his creative assists happen naturally rather than through detailed planning.
“Sometimes it’s luck, sometimes it’s the situation, and sometimes it just happens,” he explained.
The Denver center enters another NBA season as one of the league’s most accomplished players.
His three MVP awards and 2023 NBA championship have established him among the leading figures in modern basketball.
Yet his latest comments suggest that experience has not eliminated the excitement of competition.
For Jokić, the nerves before tipoff remain part of what makes basketball worth playing.
