JUST IN: Fans Had a Field Day After Michael Malone Called Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP…
Michael Malone, recently let go by the Denver Nuggets just three games before the end of the regular season, has joined ESPN’s broadcast team for the Western Conference Finals.
During ESPN’s coverage of Game 1—where the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88—Malone made a notable remark. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is seen by many as a top MVP contender, posted an impressive stat line with 31 points and nine assists.
Analyzing the game on SportsCenter, Malone commented that Gilgeous-Alexander “showed why he’s the MVP.” The statement raised eyebrows, particularly because Malone coached Nikola Jokic—another frontrunner for the award and a three-time MVP—until recently.
Though Malone likely intended to praise Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout performance, fans quickly latched onto the statement, interpreting it as more than just casual commentary.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring this season with 32.7 points per game and also averaged 6.4 assists. Jokic, on the other hand, put up a historic triple-double season with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
With a 1-0 series lead, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder now look ahead to Game 2 at home on Thursday night.
