Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reiterated his criticism of fans who booed the team during their home opener, calling them 'not real fans' in a postgame interview on Monday night.
Jokic first made the remarks after Denver’s 141-135 overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, where the team was booed despite the victory. He doubled down on Monday following a 134-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors, stating, 'I'm sticking to what I said... I think they are not real fans.'
The Nuggets, who won the NBA championship in 2023, are off to a 1-2 start this season. Their defensive struggles have been a recurring issue, with the team allowing 141 and 134 points in back-to-back games after a season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokic, a three-time MVP, leads Denver in multiple statistical categories this season, averaging 22.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game through the early part of the 2026-27 campaign. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season but has previously expressed intent to sign a contract extension with the franchise.
The team’s inconsistent start has raised questions about their championship aspirations, though Jokic’s individual performance remains elite. The Nuggets failed to advance past the conference semifinals in each of the past three seasons.
Jokic’s comments come amid broader discussions about fan expectations and team performance, particularly as Denver navigates a transitional phase following their title run.