Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrated with his daughter Ognjena after the team’s 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals, marking the franchise’s first championship. As the NBA Finals MVP, Jokic expressed his excitement while also contemplating a pressing concern: making it back to Serbia in time for his horses’ races that weekend.

In a post-game interview, Jokic, who capped off a historic Finals run, shared his thoughts on the championship win and his desire to return home to Sombor, Serbia, to see his stable of horses. “On Sundays, I have my horse racing,” he noted, highlighting his passion for equestrian activities. Despite the festivities surrounding the victory parade scheduled for Thursday, Jokic was determined to find a way back, even considering asking Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke for a plane.

When asked about the significance of winning the Larry O’Brien trophy, Jokic responded simply, “It’s good. The job is done, and we can go home now.” This understated demeanor is characteristic of Jokic, who remains grounded despite his immense success.

Waiting for him at home is a stable filled with “more than half a dozen” horses. Although Jokic’s height (6-foot-11) makes riding impractical, his love for horses runs deep. He has expressed that his passion for horse racing developed alongside his basketball career, with his father, Branislav, recalling that Jokic once dreamed of becoming a horseman. “He would say, ‘Dad, I want to become a horseman,’” Branislav recalled, ultimately guiding him toward basketball while supporting his equestrian interests.

During the NBA season, Jokic often visits stables in various cities as the Nuggets travel, forming friendships with local horse trainers like Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick. Tetrick described Jokic as a “down-to-earth kind of dude” who remains humble despite his $40 million annual salary, often showing up in casual attire and eager to work with horses.

As Jokic adds the championship and Finals MVP awards to his accolades, he plans to make room in his locker for a horse ribbon he proudly displays alongside his trophies. He even mentioned intentions to buy another horse following the Nuggets’ victory, solidifying his commitment to both basketball and his lifelong love of horses.

Waiting for him at home is a stable filled with “more than half a dozen” horses. Although Jokic’s height (6-foot-11) makes riding impractical, his love for horses runs deep. He has expressed that his passion for horse racing developed alongside his basketball career, with his father, Branislav, recalling that Jokic once dreamed of becoming a horseman. “He would say, ‘Dad, I want to become a horseman,’” Branislav recalled, ultimately guiding him toward basketball while supporting his equestrian interests.

During the NBA season, Jokic often visits stables in various cities as the Nuggets travel, forming friendships with local horse trainers like Hall of Famer Tim Tetrick. Tetrick described Jokic as a “down-to-earth kind of dude” who remains humble despite his $40 million annual salary, often showing up in casual attire and eager to work with horses.

As Jokic adds the championship and Finals MVP awards to his accolades, he plans to make room in his locker for a horse ribbon he proudly displays alongside his trophies. He even mentioned intentions to buy another horse following the Nuggets’ victory, solidifying his commitment to both basketball and his lifelong love of horses.