Nikola Jokic dismissed questions about personal milestones after recording 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in the Denver Nuggets’ 114-102 win over the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City.
Asked whether he was aware of finishing two assists short of a triple-double, Jokic said: “No, I didn’t focus. I was just happy that we won the game.”
The Nuggets center was also asked about his pursuit of statistical records, including Russell Westbrook’s triple-double mark. He made clear that individual achievements are not his priority.
“I just try to play the game the right way and, you know, hopefully we can win,” Jokic said. “For me, the win is the most important. So I think that’s the most important. I don’t think about any stats.”
Jokic also discussed the atmosphere at Arena CDMX, where fans chanted “MVP” during the NBA’s 35th game in Mexico.
“It was a really good crowd,” he said. “The energy was there the whole game. I didn’t know who they were cheering for, for us or for them. They were like mixed-up feelings, but the energy was there and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Asked about his experience in Mexico City, Jokic praised the local culture and its people.
“It’s a huge city that I always like. Mexican people are really emotional, really passionate about whatever they do,” he said.
The three-time MVP also highlighted the importance of the NBA taking games to international audiences.
“I think it’s important. I think basketball is a global sport,” Jokic said. “I think it’s really good NBA teams are traveling all over the world.”
He added: “As a player, I think it’s really nice to see the love from the fans, their support. Whenever we go, we have people who are watching us and cheering for us. So I think it’s a really important, a really nice feeling.”
Jokic also welcomed Spencer Jones back to the rotation after the forward scored 13 points on five-of-six shooting, including three three-pointers.
“His shooting was really good shooting the ball. I think he had a couple big rebounds. His defense was really aggressive and physical, and that’s what we need from him,” Jokic said. “Happy for him that he’s back and hopefully we can stay healthy.”
Asked whether he would welcome Mexico City hosting an NBA expansion team, Jokic replied: “I mean, we don’t—I think that’s not a question for me, but yeah, why not?”
Denver improved to 5-3 with its fourth win in five games. Cameron Johnson scored 18 points, while Jamal Murray added 16 against the Pacers, who fell to 3-7.
