Nikola Jokić has conquered MVP ballots, and NBA Finals. But his latest opponent was unlike any other: a Chinese high-speed train.
During his promotional tour in Chengdu with Chinese sportswear brand 361°, the Denver Nuggets superstar found himself face-to-face with a CRH bullet train barreling into the station at 350 kilometers per hour.
Captured in a now-viral video, Jokić jogged safely within the yellow line as the train approached, turning the station platform into an impromptu racetrack.
Serbian🏀player Nikola Jokić racing against a high speed rail train, some new @NBA offseason challenge unlocked — “the Joker” takes on a special fast break in China. @_JokicMuse_ pic.twitter.com/Efym4munLs
— Chengdu Hi-tech Zone (@ChengduHitech) July 21, 2025
Just Nikola Jokic racing a bullet train in China 🤷♂️😅pic.twitter.com/GzQLe9TC0r
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) July 21, 2025
While the train clearly won in speed, fans in China have embraced the three-time MVP not just for his basketball brilliance, but for his authenticity and dry humor. The Chengdu Hi-tech Zone even posted the clip with the caption: “Some new NBA offseason challenge unlocked—The Joker takes on a special fast break in China.”
This isn’t the first time Jokić has turned heads off the court. Known for his love of horses and his aversion to spotlight, he’s become a cult figure for fans who appreciate substance over flash. His China tour has only amplified that image, blending humility with humor in a way few athletes can.
And while he may not have outrun a bullet train, Jokić once again proved he’s in a league of his own, where MVPs race locomotives and win hearts in the process.
