The 2024-25 NBA MVP race was an intense and closely contested one, with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as top contenders. Jokic made history by becoming the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double, but despite his impressive performance, he received only 29 first-place votes. In contrast, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the voting, receiving 71 first-place votes.
Former Nuggets coach Michael Malone sparked controversy when he seemingly backed Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win after the Thunder star’s strong Game 1 performance. Malone’s comments drew heat from fans and critics, who felt he was undermining Jokic’s achievements. However, before Game 2 of the Thunder-Timberwolves series, Malone addressed the backlash and clarified his stance.
Malone’s comments came after a heated debate surrounding the MVP award, with many fans and analysts split on who deserved the honor. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive scoring average and leadership of the Thunder made a strong case for him, Jokic’s historic triple-double average and all-around dominance on the court made him a compelling candidate as well.
The debate highlights the complexity and subjectivity of the MVP voting process, with voters weighing different factors such as team performance, individual statistics, and overall impact on the game. In the end, the voters’ decision favored Gilgeous-Alexander, but the discussion surrounding Jokic’s snub continues to spark debate among fans and analysts.
Malone’s clarification of his comments provides insight into the ongoing discussion, and his perspective as a former coach of Jokic adds depth to the conversation. The incident showcases the passion and intensity surrounding the NBA MVP award and the impact it has on players, coaches, and fans alike.
