DENVER — After a tough Game 2 in Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokić opted for a costume change ahead of Game 3. With his Denver Nuggets back home and a chance to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals, the Joker dressed up pregame Friday night as, well, the Joker. Seriously.
Jokić showed up to Ball Arena decked out in a purple suit, a green vest, and a chain on his vest in an obvious nod to the Batman villain that's become Jokić's namesake during his rise as a three-time NBA MVP. It was certainly not typical of Jokić, who’s generally not one to make waves with his fashion sense or his pregame tunnel walks. It was enough to prompt a question to Nuggets head coach David Adelman during his pregame news conference.
He hadn’t seen it. And he’s not aware of Jokić making statements with his wardrobe choice before. "Not that I remember,” Adelman said. “But you should ask him that question. I’m not part of how he dresses every day. That’s pretty cool, though.”
Jokić didn't speak about it pregame. But a change was certainly in order after Denver's 149-106 loss in Game 2. The Nuggets pulled out an overtime victory Friday night, 113-104, despite an un-Jokić like outing where he missed 17 of 25 attempts from the floor, including 0-for-10 from 3-point range.
It is no secret that Denver Nuggets center is known as Joker for his abilities on the court, much like the calculated moves of DC villain Joker played by Heath Ledger in Christopher Nolan’s highly acclaimed superhero action crime movie The Dark Knight. Now, ahead of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic’s walk into the arena was caught on camera, and it has sparked a splash of discussion among fans.
Nikola Jokic appears in classic Joker costume ahead of Game 3. Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets stars faced a devastating 149-106 game 2 defeat. As the Nuggets prepare to overcome the pain of the loss, Jokic’s latest appearance as Joker shows that he is here to make calculated moves at the Ball Arena in Denver– the Nuggets’ home ground.
In the video clips and images shared online, Jokic was seen arriving ahead of Game 3 dressed in a striking ensemble clearly inspired by the Joker, the iconic comic book villain. He wears a deep purple suit paired with a green vest and a crisp white shirt—an unmistakable nod to the signature look of the Joker from the Batman series.
The bold fashion choice has quickly drawn attention for its theatrical flair and playful reference, showing a rare side of Jokic's personality as he channels one of pop culture’s most infamous characters on his way to the court. NBA on ESPN posted the video clip of the classy walk with a fitting caption, “Joker dressed like the Joker for Game 3.”
Nuggets’ official handle on X also shared the clip alongside a still with the classic Joker dialogue, “Why so serious?” The recent appearance also caught the attention of NBA fans as they rushed into the comments on X, sharing their thoughts on the costume.
One fan was surprised to see Jokic in the Joker avatar. “I'm honestly shocked he would do this. I thought Jokic deep down lowkey hated the Joker nickname gimmick, because let's be honest, he has nothing to do with the Joker, just some really nice passes, and that's also how he is, not the gimmicky type lol,” the fan wrote.
“He means business tonight,” another wrote. “50 point triple double incoming,” one fan predicted Jokic’s performance tonight. Another fan is excited about the Serbian star’s game tonight, “On a business mode. MVP Nikola Jokic.” “Absolutely ready,” another wrote.
Jokic has been known as “The Joker” for years now, but the nickname actually started as a happy accident. Back when Mike Miller was his teammate in Denver, he had trouble pronouncing Jokic’s name. Rather than keep struggling with it, Miller started calling him “Joker,” and the name stuck. It’s a bit ironic, considering Jokic’s dry humor and laid-back personality ended up fitting the nickname just as well as the mix-up that created it.
As the Nuggets gear up for the remainder of the series, the playful spirit displayed by Jokić could be just what the team needs to rally back after a disappointing Game 2. With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are high, and Jokić seems ready to embrace the challenge, both on and off the court.
