“We can probably be better and have advantage in some other things on the floor.” Nikola Jokic admitted, accepting responsibility after the Denver Nuggets dropped their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following a tough 1-4 record in the preseason, it was a rough start for the 2023 champions to kick off the regular season with a loss. Now, with their second consecutive regular season loss, the Serbian star is once again taking accountability and is eager to try out a new strategy with his teammates in hopes of turning things around.

In the aftermath of the Nuggets’ 109-104 loss against the LA Clippers, Nikola Jokic participated in the presser and stated, “I think we’re really struggling to score. Today, we score 104 points. In today’s NBA, I think that’s not really good number. Last game, you score 89. I don’t even know.” In addition to pointing out the need for more scoring, Jokic acknowledged that his team’s defense could use some tightening. But as the press conference wrapped up, he left everyone with a surprising response when asked if there was anything specific the team should focus on for the next three games.

“Party every time when we go out,” the 29-year-old said. Later on, however, he added “I really don’t know, my friend. We just want to win. We just want to win one game and uh, hopefully, we can do that on this road.”

If there’s anyone who understands the impact of a good celebration, it’s Nikola Jokic. Over recent years, the 3-time NBA MVP has made headlines for his memorable dance moves—whether grooving to DJ tracks in Vegas or traditional music from Serbia during the 2023 and 2024 offseasons. Following these viral moments, Jokic managed to find success on the court as well. Representing Team Serbia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, he helped secure a silver medal, and a year later at the Paris Olympics, his team claimed bronze after a close matchup that saw Stephen Curry and Team USA narrowly secure a spot in the Finals.

But, given the Nuggets’ rough start this season—coming off a 1-4 preseason record and back-to-back losses to kick off the regular season—Jokic might just be speaking with some sarcasm when it comes to partying. After all, now might be the time for practice, not partying, with their next game less than 48 hours away. Partying aside, Jokic could look to hold the Nuggets to the same high standards that his Serbian squad met internationally, especially since their fierce play even managed to catch the attention of a former president!

“Jokic is a beast” – Barack Obama reveals that Team Serbia got him ‘nervous’ during Paris Olympics

Obama, a well-known basketball enthusiast, famously repurposed the White House tennis court for basketball. Having kept an eye on the major events of the recent Paris Olympics, he was well aware—like many fans—of just how close Team Serbia came to blocking Team USA’s path to the Finals. For that impressive feat, he couldn’t help but send Nikola Jokic his praise.

“So, I have to tell you, Serbia got me nervous, and I guarantee you it got the coaches nervous too. Because, look, Jokic is a beast” said Obama during a recent appearance on ‘The Young Man and the Three’ podcast. “I mean, you know, he is as smart and effective a player, and he’s big, right? So, it’s not just that he’s you know, kind of a blend of, you know he’s got the vision like Larry Bird and he’s like, you know Sabonis’s dad, young Sabonis right? His dad you know, played like that, but he’s also just a big man.”

Obama noted that Jokic’s teammates were “shooting the lights out,” making him genuinely wonder if Team USA might miss out on the Gold Medal for the first time since 2004. That same level of intensity and pressure is what the Denver Nuggets now need to revive. Whether the team will bring that energy when they face the Toronto Raptors next remains to be seen.