May 31, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks with head coach Michael Malone during a practice session on media day before the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Ex-Nuggets Coach Makes Unexpected MVP Statement After Thunder-Wolves Game 1

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 20, 2025 11:59 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets came up short in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. While the future of the Nuggets brings some uncertainty as they look to find a new general manager and fix some holes on their roster, they do know that they'll have Nikola Jokic to rely on at the end of the day.

Matching up against the Thunder and MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic averaged 28.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game across the seven games. While he individually outperformed Gilgeous-Alexander, ex-Nuggets coach Michael Malone made an unexpected statement after the Thunder's Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s the MVP.”

— Michael Malone

pic.twitter.com/Jvml7ilOvr
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 21, 2025

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s the MVP," Malone said after the Thunder star scored 31 points and dished out nine assists in a 114-88 win over the Timberwolves. A statement that caught many online by surprise, it's hard not to think this remark takes a jab at Jokic, given Malone coached him for the majority of the season.

Gilgeous-Alexander ended the season as the clear favorite to win the award, but there's no telling who won until the NBA decides to announce it. With the debate between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic looking split 50/50 at times, it's shocking to see Jokic's former coach, who watched him win three MVPs, say that the other player deserves it.

Nikola Jokic says goodbye to the 2024-25 season as the best player in the playoffs, per HoopsHype's Global Rating.

Shai at No. 2. pic.twitter.com/uGmfpfHZGH
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) May 18, 2025

The NBA is now almost two weeks late on their MVP announcement based on last year, as fans and players alike await to see who takes home the coveted trophy.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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