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Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic turns heads in iconic Gru outfit ahead of playoff win

In a move that had fans on social media doing a double-take, Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic made a memorable entrance into Ball Arena last night, donning the iconic outfit of the beloved “Despicable Me” character, Gru, ahead of the Nuggets’ opening round 114-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

The Nuggets’ social media team leaned into the resemblance, posting a photo of Jokic with the caption: “Going to play basketball or going to steal the moon?” Stealing the moon, being a reference to the plot of Despicable Me (2010).

Jokic’s Gru getup seems to be an example of the 6-foot-11 center having more fun off the court, while promoting the latest installment of the film series, Despicable Me 4, which premiers in theaters this July. Jokic recently appeared in a promo trailer for the film, in which he discusses his real-life resemblance to Gru with a therapist.

“I thought I looked really good that day. I put on this beautiful suit that said, ‘I mean business,’” Jokic tells the therapist.

“Then what happened?” she wonders.

“They say I look like ‘Gru,’” Jokic responds.

“Why does that bother you?” she asks.

“It doesn’t,” Jokic insists.

“Then why bring it up? she inquires.

“Because they won’t leave me alone,” Jokic says.

Jokic then walks over to a window and pulls up a shade to reveal a handful of Minions cheering for “Gru” from outside.

“Guys, I’m not your boss,” Jokic says.

After the game, Jokic was asked about his outfit and its resemblance to the character from the Despicable Me franchise.

“I mean, I love the guy and I love the cartoon and why not just have a little bit of fun, too?” Jokic told reporters.

He may not be the Minions’ boss, but Jokic bossed the Lakers on Saturday night, pacing the Nuggets’ scoring with 32 points, going 15-of-23 from the field along with 12 rebounds and seven assists, just three assists shy of another playoff triple double.

The Nuggets will tip off Game 2 of their first-rounds playoff series with the Lakers 8 p.m. Monday at Ball Arena.

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic warms up before the first game of the playoffs at Ball Arena on Saturday, April 20, 2024 amongst a sea of playoffs t-shirts. Jokic is one of the favorites to win NBA MVP this year for a third time. The Nuggets are taking on the Lakers for Round 1 of the Western Conference championship in a best of 7 series. All of the 41 of the Nuggets' home games at Ball Arena were sold out this season, after winning the NBA World Championship last year. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic warms up before the first game of the playoffs at Ball Arena on Saturday, April 20, 2024 amongst a sea of playoffs t-shirts. Jokic is one of the favorites to win NBA MVP this year for a third time. The Nuggets are taking on the Lakers for Round 1 of the Western Conference championship in a best of 7 series. All of the 41 of the Nuggets’ home games at Ball Arena were sold out this season, after winning the NBA World Championship last year. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
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