Nikola Jokic on the Atmosphere in Game in Mexico City

On Saturday, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City, Mexico, 114-102 to improve to a 5-3 record for the season. Star player Nikola Jokic led the way again for Denver, scoring 19 points, along with 13 rebounds and 8 assists. 

After the game, Jokic was asked how he felt about the environment and the energy in the arena in this game, and he was pleased with how it turned out. 

"I think basketball is a global sport and I think it's good that teams are traveling all over the world, and I think as a player, I think it's really nice to see the love from the fans that support. Wherever we go, we have people who are watching us and cheering for us," Jokic said. 

For Jokic, this was his first time playing an international regular-season game as a member of the Denver Nuggets. For the NBA, it was likely a priority to have him play in a game outside of the United States, considering he is one of the more popular players in the world. 

Nikola Jokic is a three-time MVP and has played at an MVP level for several seasons now. He talked about the crowd's energy in the game against the Pacers, as they were serenading him with MVP chants at one point. 

"It was a really good crowd. The energy was there the whole game. I didn't know who they were cheering for, for us or for them," Jokic said. "The energy was there and I think that's the most important thing."

For the Nuggets as a whole, this win was big for them. They're winners of three of their last four games, and this stretch could be the start of them starting to stack wins this season. Denver has hopes of getting back to being championship contenders this season, and if they want to reach that goal, their veterans are going to have to step up. 

Cameron Johnson and Jamal Murray each stepped up and had good performances alongside Jokic in this game, and they will need to continue to raise their play as the season continues. 

This is a Denver core that knows what it takes to reach the top of the NBA, and if they can stay healthy and find a good rhythm, they can be one of the contenders in the Western Conference. The Nuggets' next game is against the Houston Rockets on the road on Monday Night.