Nikola Jokić is done with comparisons of Alperen Sengun

Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic set a real record in terms of comparison with Houston Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun after a 128-125 overtime win on Monday. Jokic’s 39 points led the Nuggets to victory. He also finished with 15 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Nikola recorded another triple-double. Sengun led the Rockets with his triple-double (33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).

However, Jokić made it clear during his media availability that he would like Sengun stop the comparisonshe said, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jared Koch.

“I think people should stop comparing us,” Jokic said of Alperen Sengun after the Denver Nuggets’ overtime win against Houston. “I think he’s an amazing player in his own right. I don’t know what they’re trying to do.”

“I think he should be … recognized (for) who he is. He’s definitely a talented player. He’s really good in the pocket, he’s starting to shoot a little more in the mid-range and he’s succeeding. And he’s still young, so I think he should be recognized as Alperen Sengun. Not as whoever people compare him to.”

Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun are both overseas bigs who can stretch the floor offensively, which is one of the biggest reasons why they are often compared. However, Jokic wants Sengun to be recognized on his own merits and move away from the “Baby Joker” nickname that Alperen earned during his early years with the Rockets.

Why Alperen Sengun wants to pass ‘Bebe Jokic’

Much earlier Nikola Jokić started his impressive streak of dominant performances for the Nuggets, Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun was ready to shrug off comparisons to the three-time MVP. Sengun made it clear after facing Jokic and the Nuggets in November, according to Michael Shapiro.

“I don’t care what people call me. I can’t stop them from calling me anything. But I have my own game,” Sengun said. “Yeah, we have similar things with (Nikola) Jokic, he was (a player I looked up to) when I came into the league. Now I have my own thing, I have my own team. We’re one of the best teams in the league. So, you know? Whatever they want to call me, I’m fine, but I’m writing my own story.”

Alperen Sengun says he is trying to break away from the nickname “Beba Jokic” 🗣

“(Nikola) Jokic was (the player I looked up to) when I came to the league. Now I have my own thing, I have my own team… I’m writing my own story.”

(via @mshap2)pic.twitter.com/oiA9GiSv6S

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 21, 2025