Nikola Jokic’s Funny Kissing Moment with Deandre Jordan Leaves Fans in Stitches
In a post-game interview that no one saw coming, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic responded to questions about a series of affectionate cheek kisses he gave his teammate, Deandre Jordan, after the team’s 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The win marked a significant moment for the Nuggets, securing their place in the Western Conference semifinals. Jokic’s performance on the court was solid, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it was the post-game antics that caught everyone’s attention.
While sitting on the bench, Jokic shared three cheek kisses with Jordan, an act that sparked amusement and curiosity among fans. The fun moment was quickly picked up by Inside the NBA, where the legendary Charles Barkley asked Jokic about his kissing gesture. The MVP candidate gave a lighthearted response that had fans laughing.
“Three kisses? That’s a Serbian thing,” Jokic replied, explaining that his gesture was part of his cultural tradition. He added with a smile, “He wants to be a Serbian. So I got to let him have a little piece.”
Barkley, never one to miss a chance for humor, followed up with a cheeky question: “Is that the ugliest person you’ve ever kissed in your life?” Jokic, always quick on his feet, decided not to take the bait and gracefully avoided answering, saying, “No, actually, hmmm, that’s a good one.”
This playful exchange highlighted the camaraderie within the Nuggets’ team, especially with Jokic’s light-hearted nature. Despite the fun atmosphere, the focus soon shifted back to the team’s upcoming challenge, as they prepare for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round of the playoffs, set to begin on May 5.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman was quick to downplay the excitement of the victory, emphasizing that the team’s work isn’t done yet. “This was not the championship,” Adelman said, reminding everyone that the real challenge lies ahead. Jokic, meanwhile, spoke highly of the Thunder’s MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, describing him as “amazing” and noting his exceptional skill and versatility on the court.
Despite the lighthearted moments, Jokic’s leadership and focus are evident as the Nuggets gear up for their next playoff series. Teammate Christian Braun even praised Jokic’s performance, calling it “maybe the greatest season ever.”
