Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic celebrated emotionally after his horse won a race in Subotica, Serbia, showcasing his deep passion for horse racing. His jubilant reaction, which included tears, champagne spraying, and lifting his driver, drew comparisons to his 2023 NBA Finals victory celebration. Jokic’s love for horses began at age 12, and he has maintained this passion throughout his career, even receiving his 2022 MVP award while en route to his horse stable in Serbia.

During the 2023 offseason, Jokic and teammate Aaron Gordon attended a horse race together, further highlighting his connection to the sport. American jockey Tim Tetrick noted Jokic’s enthusiasm and predicted he might become a horse trainer after retiring from basketball. Jokic recently completed a stellar NBA season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, balancing his basketball success with his equestrian interests.