"Niko and Giannis": Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo bond at All-Star Game

The NBA’s newest bromance may have been born during Sunday’s All-Star Game.

With 2:34 left in the second quarter, Nikola Jokic found Giannis Antetokounmpo on the left wing during a Team LeBron possession. Antetokounmpo passed up an open three-pointer, and then much to Jokic’s chagrin dribbled into a step-back jumper that ended up hitting nothing but net.

The two All-Star starters skipped back down the floor as if Antetokounmpo’s shot had just won them an NBA Championship.

Moments later on a fastbreak, Antetokounmpo missed a chance to throw Jokic an alley-oop off the backboard. Jokic even looked like he was expecting the pass. After Antetokounmpo dunked, Jokic held both of his hands out in disbelief.

“That dunk would be remembered if he threw me the ball,” Jokic later joked. “But I’m used to him. He’s not passing the ball.”

Jokic and Giannis with back-to-back moments that were absolutely hilarious😂 pic.twitter.com/UjrzNCbH5x

— Brandon Ewing (@B_Skip1717) March 8, 2021

Antetokounmpo was named MVP of Team LeBron’s 170-150 victory after he poured in a game-high 35 points on a pristine 16-16 shooting. Jokic finished with 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In what was perhaps an attempt to make up for squandering Jokic’s chance for a career highlight, Antetokounmpo handed his teammate the award shortly after receiving it.

JOKIC HOISTED UP GIANNIS’ MVP TROPHY 😂 #Giannis #NBAAllStar #jokic pic.twitter.com/8w7Bf3II19

— Terry M (@cowboyjack1497) March 8, 2021

“They’ve stolen it from me,” a sarcastic Jokic said of the trophy. “I don’t know why they’re snubbing me the second year in a row. I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know who’s voting. It all happened because of me. That’s why we won the game.”

The Jokic-Giannis bromance spiced up a mild Sunday evening in Atlanta. The Skills Challenge was predictably boring. The Slam Dunk Contest was a dud. After a couple of years of competitive fourth quarters, the All-Star Game was a blowout and a snoozefest aside from a few Steph Curry and Damian Lillard half-court threes. The three-point contest did however get your blood flowing and served as a reminder that Curry is the best shooter in the NBA. And it’s not close.

But the youthful exuberance that Jokic and Antetokounmpo flashed throughout the night was refreshing. The duo’s on-court chemistry was natural. While Jokic prefers to pass, Antetokounmpo definitely prefers to score. Team LeBron was unstoppable when those two were on the floor Sunday and a lineup featuring Jokic, Antetokounmpo, Curry, Chris Paul and Damian Lillard went on a 38-17 run over the final six minutes of the second quarter.

The pair also had a ball off the court. At one point, Jokic and Antetokounmpo danced together — while seated socially distant of course — on the bench.

“I told Niko, ‘We’ve got to have our own TV show. Niko and Giannis or Giannis and Niko,'” Antetokounmpo said. “That guy is fun. I enjoy being around him.”

It’s easy to see why the two 26-year-olds would develop a friendship. They’re both from Europe and entered the league as complete unknowns. Antetokounmpo reached superstardom a few years earlier than Jokic, but now they’re on the same plane. The two All-Stars also approach the game the same way. They play hard and hate to lose.

After a 128-97 Nuggets win over the Bucks last week, Antetokounmpo discussed why he has such an affinity for Jokic’s game.

“He’s out there to win,” Antetokounmpo said. “Great energy. He just plays the game the right way. Such a smart guy. Great guy. He plays for his teammates and his teammates play for him.”

Jokic and Antetokounmpo play with the same joyful spirit too. Jokic bounded up and down the State Farm Arena floor Sunday like a kid let out for recess. After a taxing first half of the regular season where Jokic played the second-most total minutes in the NBA, he was finally able to let loose for one night. Antetokounmpo, whose Milwaukee Bucks are in the middle of a championship or bust season, also sported a supersized grin for most of the game.

Could the two actually join forces one day? Jokic has multiple years remaining on his current max contract and when he makes an All-NBA team this season will be eligible for a supermax extension. The Nuggets will do whatever it takes to keep him in Denver for the entirety of his career. Antetokounmpo just signed a supermax last offseason that the Bucks hope keeps him in Milwaukee long-term.

It’s unlikely, but you never know.

Jokic and Antetokounmpo may have to settle for being teammates on the one night per year when they can play the game they love without the weight of their franchise’s seasons on their shoulders.

“I had fun with every single person, to be honest,” Jokic said. “I enjoyed every moment, especially with Giannis. “We talked a little bit. I know him. He’s from Greece, so I know him. We kind of have a European connection.”