Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic makes it look simple on the court, but success never comes easy, and he never takes any win for granted. Following the Denver Nuggets‘ Game 1 victory against the Thunder on Monday, the 2x MVP was seen celebrating the feat at a local bar in Oklahoma City. The video, taken by a Thunder fan, captures the Joker’s entrance into the venue as he prepares for a good time.
“He stole one man,” said the fan. “Jokic stole one tonight. Thunder in six, man, Thunder in six.”
Jokic at a bar after the win last night 👀 (via legzluthor/TT) pic.twitter.com/l3ciDcZTG8
— Overtime (@overtime) May 6, 2025
Nikola Jokic has been on a tear this season, and his greatness has kept the Nuggets alive in the NBA title chase this year. With averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, the Joker averaged a triple-double for the first time in his career, and it has put him squarely in the MVP conversation for the fifth straight season. Thanks to his efforts, the Nuggets are one of six teams remaining in the 2025 NBA postseason, and the win against Minnesota last night got them one step closer to their ultimate goal.
Regarding Jokic’s post-game activities, it’s not uncommon for teams to book a dinner for their players, and it could be that the entire team was there to eat together to discuss the ongoing series. Even if he was completely alone, most fans would agree that he’s earned a night out after such a spectacular season. Jokic, after all, isn’t the first star to go out after a victory, and he won’t be the last. Unlike others, however, going out has never affected his play.
When he’s on the court, Jokic is all business, but he’s been known to indulge in some of his other hobbies throughout the season and during the summer. One iconic Jokic activity is horse racing, which he turned to just days after leading Serbia to a bronze medal finish at the Olympics. In 2023, after winning the championship, Jokic let loose in the parade and said that he never wanted the party to end.
So, after taking the upset win in Game 1 and stealing home-court advantage, it’s no wonder that Jokic felt it was appropriate to celebrate. In 42 minutes, he dropped 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists along with two blocks and one steal on 51.7% shooting. The Nuggets barely scraped by in a two-point victory, but it was enough to give them a 1-0 advantage heading into Game 2 on Tuesday.
Historically, teams that win the first game of a playoff series go on to win the series 75.6% of the time, meaning that the Nuggets have all the momentum and advantage going into Wednesday’s game. As the top seed in the West, the Thunder will not go down without a fight, but they just don’t have an answer for Nikola Jokic, who is better, stronger, and far more skilled than anyone on the Thunder can deal with right now.
If Jokic can keep the pressure and keep delivering on his MVP play, the Nuggets have a strong chance to win the series, and you can probably guess where Jokic will be if/when his team closes out this series to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
