Fired Nuggets coach turned ESPN commentator Michael Malone needed to make clear his feedback about Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After an all-out efficiency in Recreation 1 by Shai, Malone was the reporter at OKC’s dwelling court docket and was crossed to.
He mentioned one thing that folks interpreted as dig on his former massive man Jokic.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he confirmed why he’s the MVP,” Malone mentioned.
The remark appeared to sting a bit extra, contemplating OKC had been the very staff that bested the Nuggets in a seven-game collection – a collection the place Jokic gave his absolute all.
Folks additionally referenced Malone’s feedback he made again in March when he was nonetheless Denver’s head coach, since he appeared to have the other take.
“Clearly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a superb participant, and if he wins his first MVP, he’s deserving of that,” Malone mentioned on March 11. “My factor is that this: In case you didn’t know that Nikola gained three MVPs, and I put Participant A and Participant B on paper … the man that was averaging a triple-double, the man that’s top-three within the three main statistical classes, issues that nobody has ever achieved, he wins the MVP 10 occasions out of 10.”
On the panel earlier than Recreation 2, Malone clarified the feedback he made the sport earlier than whereas backing in Jokic.
“I did vote for (Nikola Jokic) once more this 12 months if I had a vote for MVP.”
“I wish to ensure that the individuals in Denver know that as a result of proper now I’m getting lots of warmth again dwelling.”
Though SGA did have an incredible season, Jokic fully excelled. Some put SGA profitable the celebrated award over Jokic all the way down to voter’s fatigue, as it will have been Nikola’s fourth MVP.
Let’s check out the large man’s achievement’s in 2024-25:
-Profession-high in PTS-Profession-high in AST-Profession-high in STL-Profession-high in 3P%-First ever to complete prime 3 in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG-Most TD’s in a season by center-Third participant in historical past to common a TD
READ MORE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Speaks About Becoming a member of KD & Russ as OKC MVPs
