Former Nuggets Coach Names OKC Thunder Star MVP

Now on broadcasting duty, former Denver coach Michael Malone name-dropped an OKC star as the MVP.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts towards referee Danielle Scott (87) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

On Tuesday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves faced off in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City was around 48 hours removed from eliminating the Denver Nuggets in seven games — one of the best and most competitive series of the postseason so far.

Against Minnesota, the Thunder cruised to a 26-point win via a second-half explosion, largely led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All in all, the guard finished a game-high 31 points, nine assists and three steals, finishing with a team-high +22 plus-minus.

One onlooker was former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who was ousted from his role as bench boss just weeks before the end of the regular season. The Nuggets instead opted for new coach David Adelman, who more than proved himself in taking OKC to the final game.

Malone coached the Nikola Jokic-led core in its entirely, helping the team to a championship in 2023. Still, that didn’t stop him from voicing his opinion as a new member of the broadcast on Tuesday night.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone said.

The comment, no matter how off-hand it is, is interesting on multiple levels. Jokic — a three-time MVP — is effectively the only player within reach of SGA for this year's MVP. And regardless of the odds leaning in the Canadian's favor, you'd expect Malone to side with his former No. 1 option.

Malone was likely just filling air-time, but it was certainly a notable moment:

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP.”

- Michael Malone 😅

(h/t @DNVR_Nuggets ) pic.twitter.com/tfpSH9AlPz

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 21, 2025

The MVP award still hasn't been announced this season.

Michael Malone in March on Nikola Jokic, based on his stats this year: "He wins the MVP 10 times out of 10. And if you don't think so, you guys are all full of (bleep)."

Michael Malone tonight on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "Showed why he’s the MVP."

I wonder what changed.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 21, 2025

The Nuggets have an interesting offseason ahead of them, likely needing to re-tool around Jokic, potentially at the expense of players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and more.

The Thunder now look to Game 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 22.