Nikola Jokic Declares Booing Home Fans 'Not Real Fans'

Nikola Jokic has voiced his strong disapproval of Denver Nuggets fans who booed the team during their home opener, stating that those individuals are "not real fans" and "not welcome anymore."

The Nuggets rallied from a 23-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 in overtime, a victory punctuated by Jokic's 35-point, 15-rebound, and 10-assist performance for a triple-double.

Despite the comeback win, disgruntled fans expressed their displeasure, prompting Jokic's initial criticism postgame. "We got booed at our first home game, and I think those fans who booed us, they don’t need to come anymore," Jokic said Saturday. "If you guys follow us, you know that we never quit, and we’ve come back from much worse situations. So if they ask me, they are not welcome anymore."

Following a subsequent loss on Monday night, Jokic reiterated his stance. "I'm sticking to what I said... I think they are not real fans," he stated.

Jokic also expressed that he had "never" heard players being booed by their own home crowd.

The Nuggets, who won their first NBA title three seasons ago, have followed their home opener with inconsistent defensive performances. They have allowed 141 and 134 points in consecutive games and lost their season opener 96-84 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jokic is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season.