Nikola Jokić moved to tears in Serbia!
The Denver Nuggets center found a reason to celebrate this summer, away from the NBA courts. Nikola Jokić was filmed in tears after his horse’s victory at a race in Subotica, Serbia. Once the finish line was crossed, cameras captured the 30-year-old player’s emotion at the side of the track.
An emotional Nikola Jokic reacts after watching his horse win 🥲
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 27, 2025
A passion that surpasses the NBA Finals
Unable to contain his emotions, Jokić jumped over a barrier to join his horse and jockey. He then helped lift the jockey before spraying champagne over the entire group, including the horse, and then pouring some on himself. This enthusiastic celebration immediately recalled his reaction after winning the 2023 NBA title, when he stated during the on-court interview: « The job is done. We can go home now. »
During the following press conference, when asked about the upcoming championship parade, Jokić had responded: « No. I need to go home. » He then clarified his statement by explaining that horse races were on Sunday, and the parade scheduled for the following Thursday might be problematic.
A passion born at age 12
Jokić’s passion for horses isn’t new. He fell in love with this world at age 12, when his family took him to see a day of racing in his hometown. He even received his 2022 MVP trophy in Serbia while returning on horseback to his stable.
During the 2023 offseason, Jokić and his teammate Aaron Gordon attended a horse race together in Serbia. American jockey Tim Tetrick, who has established a connection with Jokić, says horse racing is a passion for the player and predicts the triple MVP will become a horse trainer after retirement.
Sunday’s victory adds another success to Jokić’s Dream Catcher stable’s record. The center, coming off a season averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, remains committed to his parallel career in the horse racing world, which he’s likely to pursue well after his basketball career ends.
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