Michael Malone, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, recently made contrasting statements regarding the NBA MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and his former player, Nikola Jokić. Back in March, Malone acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander’s talent, asserting that should he win the MVP, it would be well-deserved. He highlighted the exceptional stats of Jokić, emphasizing that if one were to compare their numbers without knowledge of Jokić’s three MVP titles, the triple-double averages would surely lead to his victory.
Fast forward to Malone’s comments from Tuesday while covering the Western Conference finals for ESPN, and the tone has shifted noticeably. Now, he praised Gilgeous-Alexander for his outstanding performance, especially in the second half of the game where he recorded 31 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, leading the Thunder to a dominant 114-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Malone’s change in perspective reflects the growing consensus that Gilgeous-Alexander is a frontrunner for the MVP title, with betting odds favoring him heavily prior to the playoffs. Despite the transition and his unexpected firing just before the season’s end, Malone’s recognition of Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions further fuels the narrative of an exciting MVP race.
This development highlights the competitive nature of the NBA and the shifts in narratives that can occur quickly, especially in the postseason. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Gilgeous-Alexander can clinch the MVP title, marking a transformative moment for not only him but also for the Thunder franchise. The admiration and respect shown by Malone towards both players reflect the deep talent present in the league, making this MVP discussion one of the most compelling in recent memory.