USA Today via Reuters
May 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) warms up before game two against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
May 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) warms up before game two against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The NBA season is a grueling nine-month long affair. The players have to sacrifice a lot in order to achieve excellence, and try to win the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy. However, the players have almost two months to blow off some steam, and the players partake in a wide array of activities and pastimes. But, Nuggets star, Nikola Jokic, loves to go home and take care of his beloved horses.
He has even found time in a busy NBA season to enjoy his favorite pastime. Despite the chilly weather and traffic in New York, the Serbian native braved the conditions to attend a derby race at the Yonkers Raceway.
Jokic’s love for the game
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The Denver Nuggets deservedly won the 2023 NBA title. They were the best team by a country mile last season, and they would aim to repeat their triumphant 2022-23 season. The Nuggets have had a solid start to the season. They currently occupy the 3rd spot in a fiercely competitive Western Conference, with 19 wins and 10 losses. They face the Brooklyn Nets in their next matchup at the Barclays Center in New York.
Yonkers Raceway where Nikola Jokic watched horse races tonight is 30+ minutes away from Barclays Center. With New York traffic, it’s not like it was right around the corner on a cold, New York night.
For the love of the game. pic.twitter.com/CZ9stfGSBs
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) December 22, 2023
Denver Nuggets’ star-man, Nikola Jokić, has sustained his exceptional form from the previous season into the current one. However, Jokic, who has famously professed his love for horses, barred New York’s chilly evening to enjoy a derby race at the Yonkers Raceway. But, the Serb could miss tonight’s race because of the 30+ minute drive from the Barclays Center.
However, Jokic has to quickly revert his focus back to basketball, as they face a competitive Brooklyn Nets team. The Nuggets have struggled to secure victories on the road. They have experienced defeat in eight out of sixteen away trips. However, a fully fit Nuggets squad is a formidable opponent, and they fully back themselves to secure a win against the Nets.
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Are the Nuggets still title favorites?
Despite the early-season successes of teams like the Celtics, Timberwolves, and Bucks, the Nuggets remain the frontrunners for the title. Their pedigree as the reigning champions is hard to overlook. With Jokic still maintaining his remarkable form, few would bet against them. Jokic has averaged 26.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.3 assists this season.
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There are very few weaknesses in the current composition of the Nuggets roster. In an era of lavish expenditures, the Nuggets stand out as a prime example of the success that can be achieved in the NBA through meticulous team curation. The Nuggets would look to further add another feather to their cap, and secure another Larry O’Brien this season. Can the Nuggets win the 2024 NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!
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