Michael Malone Clarifies Controversial Statement on Nikola Jokic’s MVP Race
Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone recently addressed a controversial remark he made regarding the 2024-25 MVP race, where Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was in a tight competition with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokic, who became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double, faced off against Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA scoring champion, in what was a highly debated race.
Jokic ultimately earned 29 first-place votes, while Gilgeous-Alexander claimed 71, securing the MVP award. Though it wasn’t a huge surprise to see Gilgeous-Alexander win, Malone stirred some controversy by backing the Thunder guard after his strong Game 1 performance. Following the backlash, Malone took the opportunity to clarify his stance before Game 2 of the Thunder-Timberwolves series.
"Nikola [Jokic] won the first of his three MVPs and I did vote for him again this year if I had a vote. Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because right now, I'm getting a lot of heat back home."
Former Nuggets coach Michael Malone 😅pic.twitter.com/Q0XRLfAk1P
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 23, 2025
“I voted for Nikola [Jokic] when he won his first MVP, and I would’ve voted for him again this year if I had a vote. I just want to make sure the people in Denver know that because I’m getting a lot of heat back home,” Malone explained during the pre-game show for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
Although Jokic had a historic season, his MVP bid was challenging, given Gilgeous-Alexander’s career year and his leadership of the NBA’s top team. Despite the controversy surrounding his initial comments, Malone reaffirmed his support for Jokic, his former player.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s the MVP.”
— Michael Malone
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 21, 2025
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, he’ll be looking to defend his MVP award during Game 2, which is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST.
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