Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who the franchise fired days before the 2025 NBA playoffs opened, raised eyebrows when he stumped forShai Gilgeous-Alexander over Nikola Jokić for the NBA MVP award.

Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone made headlines this week as he tapped Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the rightful MVP. All over social media, fans have expressed shock at the comments, and some even came to Jokic's defense, like former head coach George Karl, who went viral for a recent statement on X.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone, who will be featured on ESPN throughout the network’s coverage of the series, said after the game. “He took over in the second half. Did so in a very efficient manner, and he put the team on his back.”