Unamused Nikola Jokic Gets ‘Caught’ Not Giving Alperen Sengun’s Joke The Time Of Day
In the aftermath of an exhilarating in-season tournament, the Denver Nuggets found themselves squaring off against the Houston Rockets on their home turf. The reigning champions were set to clash with a somewhat unpredictable Western Conference adversary, intensifying the regular season’s competitive stakes.
The matchup drew heightened interest from fans, particularly due to the showdown between the star centers of the two teams – Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun.
Ahead of tip-off, the duo engaged in a brief exchange, with Sengun attempting to share a jest with the two-time MVP. Amid the crowd’s noise, Jokic, possibly unable to catch the joke on the first attempt, moved closer to the Turkish player for a clearer understanding. Despite Alperen’s animated repetition and a subsequent smile, Jokic’s reaction was notably unamused, a departure from his usual on-court joviality.
This atypical response from the 28-year-old, affectionately known as ‘The Joker,’ raised eyebrows among viewers. Jokic is renowned for injecting moments of fun into the game, even during routine occurrences like jump balls. Consequently, his nonchalant shrug in response to a fellow European star’s banter marked an unusual departure for the 2023 NBA champion.
One plausible explanation for Jokic’s subdued demeanor could be the mounting comparisons between him and Sengun in recent times. Many have touted Sengun as a potential challenger to Jokic’s status in the coming years.
Boasting exceptional passing skills and a refined scoring ability in the paint, Alperen’s rapid development since entering the league in 2021 has turned heads. The pressure of such a matchup may have caught up with Jokic, an uncommon sight for the five-time All-Star.
Delving into the relationship between Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun reveals a nuanced connection. Following a breakthrough season in the previous campaign, Sengun has become a focal point of attention.
His numbers have experienced a substantial uptick in the current regular season, fueling speculation about his potential debut All-Star appearance. Notably, his points per game, assists per game, and field goal percentage have all seen significant improvements.
The astounding progress of the 6’11” star hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning praise from analysts and even fellow NBA players, including Jokic himself. Alperen recently disclosed, “Every after the game, he’s coming to me like saying, ‘Good job Alpe. Great job. Keep it up.’ Always giving me good talk, which is great for me.”
This camaraderie extends beyond Jokic, with other notable figures like James Harden congratulating Sengun on his achievements during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. “I’m so proud of you,” the former Rockets star exclaimed, creating a memorable moment for the burgeoning youngster.
In the wake of such accolades, the seemingly forgettable exchange with the 2023 Finals MVP reflects the reality of the league. Alperen quickly shifted his focus back to the primary objective – propelling his team to victory, a reminder that, ultimately, that’s what he was there for.
