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 joy while also contemplating a pressing concern: making it back to Serbia for his horses’ races that weekend.

In a post-game interview, Jokic, who had a remarkable Finals run, shared his thoughts on the championship win and his eagerness to return home to Sombor, Serbia, to see his stable of horses. “On Sundays, I have my horse racing,” he noted, emphasizing his love for equestrian activities. Despite the upcoming victory parade, Jokic was determined to find a way home, even considering asking Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke for a plane.

MVP of the NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets, held his daughter, Ognjena, after winning the championship against the Miami Heat 94-89 at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets posed for a family photo after clinching Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 12, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.

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 typical of Jokic, who remains humble despite his achievements.

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

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 appearing in casual attire and eager to work with horses.

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