Nikola Jokić Tells Booing Nuggets Fans to Leave
The star center shared his frustrations following a comeback win at the team's home opener in Denver.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Nikola Jokić criticized fans who booed during the Denver Nuggets' home opener on Saturday. The team secured a 141-135 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans after trailing for most of the game.
Why it matters
The comments highlight a tense moment between the team's star player and the home crowd during a frustrating early-season performance. These remarks bring attention to the expectations placed on the roster during the opening stages of the season.
The Nuggets overcame a 23-point deficit, including a 16-point halftime gap, to defeat the Pelicans in overtime. New Orleans shot 10-21 from three-point range in the first half while Denver struggled with under 50% field goal shooting.
The players
Nikola Jokić
He is a star center for the Denver Nuggets and a multiple-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Denver Nuggets
They are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA's Western Conference.
New Orleans Pelicans
They are a professional basketball team based in Louisiana that competes in the NBA.
The details
Denver trailed by as many as 19 points in the second quarter, reaching a 45-26 deficit, before mounting a late comeback. Despite falling behind by seven points with just over a minute left in regulation, the team rallied to force overtime and eventually win.
Timeline
The Nuggets played their home opener against the Pelicans on October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This public conflict between a star player and the home crowd complicates the narrative for a team with high championship aspirations. Managing these early-season internal tensions is often critical for maintaining momentum throughout a long 82-game schedule.
The comeback win shifts the team's record in the early standings, providing a necessary morale boost despite the public criticism. Fantasy managers should note the high-scoring output in overtime as a potential sign of improved offensive rhythm for the starters.
The takeaway
Players and fans often experience high emotional stakes during home openers when team performance does not meet initial expectations. Respectful engagement remains a standard goal for all attendees during live sporting events.
Further reading
For more on the current team performance and standings, visit the Denver Basketball page.
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