Nikola Jokic doubled down on his criticism of Nuggets fans after the Warriors loss, saying he is “not used to fans booing their own team” and suggesting those who do are “not the real fans.”
Nikola Jokic isn’t backing down from his criticism of Denver Nuggets fans who boo their own team, doubling down on his comments after Monday’s 134-114 home loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Player of the Game
PTS
31
FGS
9-19
REB
12
AST
6
Jokic finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, but Denver dropped to 1-2 after Golden State pulled away in the second half.
The latest loss came just two days after Jokic criticized parts of the Ball Arena crowd for booing Denver during its comeback win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Asked whether his experience with hostile European crowds made the Denver situation feel different, Jokic made it clear his stance had not changed.
“I just said what I said,” Jokic said. “I’m sticking to what I said.”
“I’ve played in much worse environments,” the Serbian star added. “I’ve played in front of 10 people, 50 people, 100 people, 10,000, 15,000 – whatever. I’m not used to fans booing their own team.”
When asked whether the difference in Europe was that boos were usually directed toward the opponent rather than the home team, Jokic again questioned those who turn on their own players.
“I never heard that [before],” Jokic said. “Probably they are, but I think they’re not the real fans.”
Jokic previously told booing Nuggets fans not to return
Jokic’s latest comments followed an even stronger message after Denver’s dramatic 141-135 overtime victory over the Pelicans on Saturday.
The Nuggets had fallen behind by as many as 23 points in their home opener and still trailed by 19 entering the fourth quarter.
Denver then outscored New Orleans 37-18 in the final period before completing the comeback in overtime.
“Yeah, I’m actually so glad that you mentioned that because we got booed in the first home game,” Jokic said.
“I think those fans who boo us, they don’t need to come anymore. Because if you guys follow us, you know that we never quit, and we came back from much worse or similar situations.”
“So if you ask me, they’re not welcome anymore.”
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect – Scanpix
Jokic sounds alarm over Nuggets defense
Beyond the renewed fan discussion, Jokic was also critical of Denver’s early-season play following the loss to Golden State.
Asked what the Nuggets needed to improve the most, Jokic did not single out just one area.
“To be honest, everything,” he said.
Defense, however, was his biggest concern after the Warriors scored 134 points.
“We cannot defend,” Jokic added. “Every team scores 120, 130 points. That’s something that cannot happen.”
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