Jokić Calls Nuggets ‘Dark Horse’ Despite Championship Contender Status

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić stated today that he views his team as a “dark horse” in the upcoming NBA title race, despite being widely considered a top contender.

Speaking at the Nuggets’ media day on October 16, 2025, Jokić acknowledged the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning champions, as the team to beat. “They are definitely the hunted one and they’re playing good,” Jokić said. “Hopefully we can be the — how do you say it? The silent knight? Silent horse? Dark horse.” The Nuggets’ position as a potential underdog is notable given their recent success, including a championship win in 2023.

The sentiment comes as the Northwest Division is projected to be highly competitive, with the Minnesota Timberwolves also expected to challenge for the top spot in the Western Conference. Recent general manager polling suggests three of the West’s top four seeds will emerge from the division, though all roads to the championship appear to run through Oklahoma City. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, named NBA Finals MVP after leading his team to victory over Indiana in a seven-game series, expressed his team’s determination to repeat. “It would suck to lose the NBA championship in 2026,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “That’s the new focus. That’s the new goal.” You can find more information about the NBA on their official website.

Gilgeous-Alexander recently celebrated the championship by bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy to his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, where he received the key to the city. The NBA season is set to tip off in late October, with analysts closely watching how these Western Conference powerhouses will perform throughout the year. For a preview of the upcoming season, check out ESPN’s NBA coverage.

Team officials have indicated that further updates regarding training camp and preseason schedules will be released in the coming days.