Nikola Jokic is arguably the best player in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets star does it all on the basketball court, as he can score from all three levels, he is a perennial threat to win the rebounding title, and he has proven himself as the best passing big man in league history. One other thing that The Joker does, too, is sometimes he gets feisty on the court.

It may only be the preseason, but Jokic let his emotions get to him against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 6. Utah's Jaxson Hayes pushed Jokic in order to create space and receive a pass on the wing in a closely contested game. The Serbian was baffled that no foul was called, so he immediately went in for a karate chop at the opposing center.

Nikola Jokić gets a technical foul for shoving Jaxon Hayes after Hayes shoved him, and also gives him the stare (with replays) https://t.co/2jRUH91jsx

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 7, 2026

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That decision did, in fact, draw a technical foul. Considering it was just preseason, and Denver ended up victorious regardless, the three-time MVP was probably okay giving up free throws knowing that he set a tone that he isn't to be messed with. Jokic is so talented and so massive as a human being that he often doesn't get a fair whistle.

Some fans have joked that Jokic doesn't care about winning or the sport of basketball as a whole. That he instead would rather be with his horses or away from people. That couldn't be further from the truth. Jokic has become the player he is, not just because of his talent, but because he plays with his heart on his sleeve.