Nikola Jokic's Quote Went Viral After Nuggets-Wizards Game

Nikola Jokic met with reporters after Saturday's loss.

Feb 22, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) speaks to the media following the win over the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

On Saturday evening, the Denver Nuggets had a shocking 122-113 loss to the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards had lost 16 straight games (and hadn't won since October) before defeating Denver.

After going 4-6 over their last ten games, Nikola Jokic made a statement that went viral (h/t Legion Hoops and Katy Winge of AltitudeTV).

Jokic: "In my country, where I’m coming from, after this kind of stretch you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth. So maybe that’s what we need to do. Maybe a little motivation in that way."

What does Nikola Jokić want to see from the Nuggets?

“Reaction”

Smirking, he said: “In my country where I’m from after this kind of stretch you’re going to get a paycheck that is a little bit less than usual. So maybe that’s what we need to do. Maybe a little motivation.” pic.twitter.com/WmCJTFplVf

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) December 8, 2024

Despite the loss, the two-time MVP erupted for 56 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and one steal while shooting 22/38 from the field and 3/5 from the three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.

(He was laughing as he started to say that.) Then added, “What’s the name of it? Being benched? Being on the bench, I think that’s really good motivation too.”

— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) December 8, 2024

Jokic is averaging a sensational 31.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 56.1% from the field and 50.6% from the three-point range in 18 games.

Via The NBA: "Jokić posted HISTORIC numbers for the Nuggets!

🃏 56 PTS (career-high) 🃏 16 REB 🃏 8 AST 🃏 3 3PM

He's the first player in NBA history to total 55+ PTS, 15+ REB, 5+ AST and 3+ 3PM in a single game."

Jokić posted HISTORIC numbers for the Nuggets!

🃏 56 PTS (career-high)
🃏 16 REB
🃏 8 AST
🃏 3 3PM

He's the first player in NBA history to total 55+ PTS, 15+ REB, 5+ AST and 3+ 3PM in a single game. pic.twitter.com/7L0lM1e5bJ

— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2024

The Nuggets will have a quick turnaround as they face off against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening in Georgia.

Following the Hawks, the Nuggets will return home to host James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night in Denver.

Nikola Jokic on what the Nuggets need to see in the next few games:

“A reaction. In my country, where I’m coming from, after this kind of stretch you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth. So maybe that’s what we need to do. Maybe a little… pic.twitter.com/jIzplkGtMH

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 8, 2024