Nikola Jokic Defends Ripping Nuggets Fans For Boos in Video, 'They Are Not Real Fans'

Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokić stood by recent comments he made regarding fans who booed the Nuggets during a home game last weekend.

Speaking to reporters after the Nuggets' 134-114 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, Jokić noted that he is "sticking to" what he said previously, adding that those who boo the Nuggets are "not real fans."

Jokić initial remarks were made Saturday night after the Nuggets overcame a 23-points deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime in their home opener.

The three-time NBA MVP and one-time NBA Finals MVP had some strong words for fans who booed the Nuggets during that game, telling reporters , "We got booed at our first home game, and I think those fans who booed us, they don't need to come anymore. If you guys follow us, you know that we never quit and we've come back from much worse situations. So if they ask me, they are not welcome anymore."

Denver won the NBA championship in 2023 and has made the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons, but the start of the 2026-27 has been a struggle thus far.

The Nuggets did manage to come from behind to beat a winless Pelicans team, but they looked listless in a season-opening, 96-84 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and handed the Warriors their first win of the season on Monday.

Now, the Nuggets will go on the road for games against the Pelicans and Phoenix Suns before returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers next Monday.

The reception the Nuggets receive during that game could hinge largely on how the upcoming, two-game road trip plays out.