By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In Game 1 of a best-of-seven series opposite the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets‘ leader in Nikola Jokic, faced adversity, including ‘free throw merchant’ chants by the Paycom Center.
“To be honest, I didn’t even hear that, but that’s kind of funny,” he explained in a postgame press conference following a nail-biter contest on Monday.
The 30-year-old Serbian superstar has featured in major international tournaments all around the world, in addition to dominating the NBA over recent years. He has been accustomed to playing in large venues. However, early days in Serbia were much different.
👀 OKC crowd chanted “free throw merchant” while Jokic was at the free throw line! pic.twitter.com/Lfn5Kiecpm
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 6, 2025
“I played in Serbia, even in small gyms with 30 people and you can hear everything,” he remembered, spreading laughter across the press room, “Sometimes, I think that is the worst, because you can see the guy that is telling you…”
“I played in front of a lot of people. I played for the national team and in other countries. It’s definitely an experience. So, I don’t get distracted,” he added, sharing his view on the situation in Oklahoma City.
Despite dealing with foul trouble, the Sombor native logged 42 minutes and helped the Nuggets open a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google.
Jokic posted a 42-point, 22-rebound double-double alongside six assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Game 2 is on Wednesday, before the series moves to Denver’s Ball Arena for Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on the next installment of NBA Sundays.