Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone addressed backlash over his recent praise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during ESPN’s coverage of the Western Conference Finals, clarifying that he still backs Nikola Jokic for MVP.
“I did vote for him again this year, if I had a vote,” Malone said during ESPN’s broadcast of Game 2 between Oklahoma City and Minnesota. “Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”
Malone’s clarification follows public scrutiny after he labeled Gilgeous-Alexander as the league’s most valuable player just days earlier on the same network.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander… he showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone said after the Thunder star erupted for 31 points in Game 1, including 20 in the second half of a 26-point win.
The initial remarks sparked speculation about Malone’s stance, especially given his nine-year tenure coaching Jokic and their shared 2023 NBA championship.
Jokic finished second in MVP voting behind Gilgeous-Alexander, whose regular-season averages of 32.7 points per game led the league.
Oklahoma City’s 68–14 record was the NBA’s best, as Gilgeous-Alexander became the franchise’s first scoring leader since Kevin Durant in 2014.
Jokic closed the season with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, anchoring a Denver squad that earned the No. 4 seed in the West.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was the third finalist, posting 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds while helping the Bucks to a 48-win campaign.
Despite no longer coaching in Denver, Malone’s commentary during the Western Conference Finals has drawn increased attention due to his longstanding relationship with Jokic.
