Nikola Jokic Reacts to National Media Disrespect vs. Lakers

In this story:
When the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, many of the headlines and television talking points were centered on LA's defensive adjustment in the second half that could cause problems for Denver going forward. The Nuggets heard this noise, noted it, and responded with another win in Game 2.
Star center Nikola Jokic was asked about this national media disrespect following Game 2, and said, "It's nothing new for us. To be honest, I like it. We don't care. Whatever. Even in the bubble when we beat Utah, it was they blew the lead. When we beat the Clippers, it was they blew the lead. Nobody talked about how we won those games. It's normal for us. I don't pay attention [to all of that]."
Nikola Jokic on the national narrative and the Nuggets flying under the radar: "To be honest, I like it. We don't care. Whatever. If you remember even in the bubble when we beat Utah, they were talking about how they blew the lead. When we beat the Clippers it was about them…
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 19, 2023
Jokic is never concerned with accolades, attention, or anything other than winning. The two-time MVP has accomplished a lot in his career, but an NBA championship is something he has yet to experience. Focused only on that one goal, Jokic and his teammates are not worried about what the national media has to say - or doesn't have to say about their team.
Now heading to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4, the Nuggets will be looking to hand the Lakers their first home loss of the playoffs. It won't be easy, but this group is ready.
Related Articles
Suns Owner Breaks Silence After Blowout Loss to Nuggets in Game 6

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.