Nikola Jokic’s Horse Racing Hobby Keeps Him Grounded

May 13, 2025, Oklahoma City. As Game Five of the NBA Playoffs 2025 second round took off at Paycom Center, Nikola Jokic kept playing with the focus and skill Denver counts on racing hobby. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jaylin Williams, Jokic moved to the net in the second half in his cool way, aiding the Nuggets in a tight game.

Off the game zone, Jokic cares about more than just the ball game. His love for the racing hobby is a big part of his life, more so when he has no games. In his home spot of Sombor, Serbia, he has and looks after many horses. Most days, he is up early, giving food and care to the stables on his own.

This tie to a calm, set way of life sheds light on why Jokic does so well all through the long game times. The daily tasks keep him down-to-earth and sharp, marks that help him in big game times.

His team and coaches say Jokic talks of his horses with real love. His racing hobby gives him a peaceful daily plan that is far from the quick moves of pro ball games, giving him a sure way to come back and stay keen in mind.

“Some guys play video games or go out. He takes care of horses,” said Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman. “It’s just who he is.”

Jokic has often mentioned that the horses don’t treat him differently because of his NBA success. This view lets him refresh his mind and heart. The same life each day, with early starts, hard work, and a need for care, moves into how he acts on the court.

His slow care of horses shows in how Jokic plays. He takes his time, and his timing sets him apart. Whether passing the ball or reading the other team, he stays calm and steady, traits that reflect his focus on his racing hobby.

Even when the game tightens, Jokic keeps a clear head, something younger players notice. Rookie Julian Strawther said, “He doesn’t let anything shake him. He treats basketball kind of the same way he talks about the horses. Just keep doing your job.” That steady mindset mirrors the patience required in his racing hobby, where routine and attention matter every day.

Teammate Aaron Gordon said that Jokic’s calm way affects the whole team. He can make things easier and reduce stress. This comes from how he thinks in his racing hobby, a soft, steady mind that keeps things even both on and off the court.

“He’s never too high or too low. That helps all of us,” Gordon said.

While many top-tier athletes make public appearances or build media brands, Jokic often avoids public attention. His offseason plans rarely include commercials or tours. Instead, he returns to Serbia to work with his horses and spend time with his family.

At press meet-ups, when they ask him about big plays or his wins, Jokic likes to talk less about basketball. A year ago, when they asked him what made him happiest after the season, he just said, “Going home.”

This cool style isn’t a sign that Jokic cares less for his team. His day-to-day acts show his way to craft both power and mind outlook. He needs these for long play in the season and deep in the NBA Playoffs 2025.

On Tuesday night, Jokic set an example once more. His steady scoring and sharp decisions were central to Denver’s approach. Even as Oklahoma City pushed back, his presence helped keep the group on track. That same approach that can be measured and dependable is visible both in his play and in his racing hobby.

Jokic treats basketball as serious work, but his identity stretches beyond the hardwood. He’s not drawn to spotlight moments or viral clips. He keeps his eyes on what’s right in front, like feeding horses early in the day or making the best pass in an NBA Playoffs 2025 game. He is all in, with a type of focus seen in Serbian horse racing, where taking time and getting ready count more than just being fast.

As the Nuggets go on in the NBA Playoffs 2025, Jokic’s good play remains key to their main core. When the season ends, he goes back to a calmer life, looking after animals and keeping up with Serbian horse racing. It’s a different pace, but his level of effort remains unchanged. For Jokic, both basketball and his racing hobby are parts of a life built on discipline and quiet strength.