NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokić’s Daughter Adorably Celebrates Award with Him After Championship Win

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with his daughter Ognjena after a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals to win the NBA Championship at Ball Arena on June 12, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.
PHOTO: JUSTIN EDMONDS/GETTY

Nikola Jović’s daughter stole the show as the basketball player celebrated his team’s big win on Monday.

Moments after the Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat to win the NBA Championship, the star center celebrated on the court with his daughter Ognjena, 21 months.

While he was awarded the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy, Jović, 28, was cheered on by his teammates and joined by his daughter, who adorably wore his Championship hat.

In one photo, Jović carries his daughter and plants a kiss on her cheek and she attempts to keep the much-too-big hat on her head.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

MVP of the NBA Finals Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his daughter, Ognjena after winning the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat 94-89 at Ball Arena June 12, 2023.
ANDY CROSS/MEDIANEWS GROUP/THE DENVER POST VIA GETTY

Jović shares his daughter Ognjena, which means “fiery” in Serbian, with his wife Natalija. The pair have been married since October 2020.

Though the couple only recently got married, Natalija has been by Nikola’s side since their teenage years. When Nikola joined the Nuggets in 2015, she moved to Denver with him — and has been supporting the two-time NBA MVP from the sidelines ever since.

Now, Natalija can frequently be seen at Nikola’s games with their daughter Ognjena. In March 2023, Natalija shared a photo on her Instagram of Ognjena holding Nikola’s game ball from his 100th triple-double — an accomplishment only five other players have ever achieved in NBA history, as the AP reported.

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with his daughter Ognjena after a 94-89 victory against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2023 NBA Finals
MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY

When Nikola shattered another NBA record that April (he became the first NBA player to average 25 points, ten rebounds and five assists through his first 50 career postseason games, per Sports Illustrated), Natalija and Ognjena were there to cheer him on — with Ognjena seen on Instagram stories sporting a jacket with Nikola’s name and number on the back.

For Nikola, having the support of his wife and daughter has been invaluable while he competes in the NBA.

“I think all of us who have a wife and kids should be happy with the persons we have beside us,” he told Serbia’s Arena TV that January. “When you have a normal life, it lifts you up and only helps you.”

But balancing NBA life and fatherhood hasn’t always been easy for Nikola. In a rare interview given with Arena TV at his home in Serbia, Nikola opened up about what it is like to be away from his daughter while traveling for the NBA.

“I play 100 games away, I’m not home for 100 days,” he said. “When I come home, Ognjena is different. Literally in five days, she changes you know.”

Related Posts

Unbelievable! The Golden Ships Are Truly Ьгeаtһtаkіпɡ.

The sight of these magnificent golden ships leaves everyone in absolute awe. Crafted with meticulous detail and shimmering with a golden glow, these vessels seem almost too…

Birthday Blues: No Wishes Yet on My Special Day 😔 ‎

Today is my birthday, I know I’m not perfect but no one ever blessed me! ‎ On this special day, embrace the beauty of imperfection and celebrate…

Back in 2014, LeBron James went on vacation with his wife while she was pregnant with their daughter Zhuri

Back in 2014, LeBron James went on vacation with his wife while she was pregnant with their daughter Zhuri Back in 2014, LeBron James went on vacation…

Kyrie Irving and warm images with his daughter on the basketball court

The adorable moments of Azurie Elizabeth accompanying her father Kyrie Irving to NBA games The adorable moments of Azurie Elizabeth accompanying her father Kyrie Irving to NBA…

Watch: The first glimpse of LeBron James and Bronny James working out together at the Lakers training camp

During their first training camp practice together, rookie guard Bronny James of the Los Angeles Lakers and his father, superstar player LeBron James, took part. Bronny demonstrated…

Stephen Curry and his wife share extremely romantic photos as they enjoy their vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Ayesha Curry was very generous with her holiday photos when she went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with her husband Stephen Curry last week. The cookbook author…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *