Michael Malone didn’t just step into the ESPN analyst chair for the Western Conference Finals—he stormed into it, and true to form, he’s already stirring the pot. Just a month after the Denver Nuggets showed him the door, Malone made his broadcast debut during Oklahoma City’s 114-88 smackdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1, and he didn’t hold back. His big headline? A bold shoutout to Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “He showed why he’s the MVP.” That’s not just a compliment—it’s a Molotov cocktail lobbed into the NBA’s hottest debate, especially coming from a guy who, two months ago, was ready to fight anyone who didn’t think Nikola Jokić deserved his third MVP trophy.
Let’s rewind. Back in March, Malone was still Denver’s head coach, passionately defending Jokić at a presser: “He wins the MVP 10 times out of 10. And if you don’t think so, you guys are all full of (bleep).” Jokić was dominating—averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists on 58.1% shooting—and looked like a lock for another MVP. Fast forward to May, and Malone’s out of a job, fired three games before the regular season ended despite a 471-win tenure and a 2023 championship that cemented him as a Nuggets legend. Now, watching Jokić’s MVP bid fade in the playoffs, Malone’s singing a different tune, and his praise for SGA feels like it’s got some extra spice.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 1 performance was the kind of show that makes you sit up straight. The Thunder’s star dropped 31 points and dished nine assists, his fourth straight 30-point game and eighth in 12 postseason outings. He was a one-man wrecking crew, slicing through Minnesota’s defense with his silky mid-range game and cool-headed playmaking. Malone’s callout wasn’t just analysis—it felt personal, like a guy settling scores after being cut loose by Denver. Posts on X, like one from ClutchPoints, captured the moment, noting how Malone’s words raised eyebrows, especially given his fierce loyalty to Jokić.
This isn’t just about stats or highlight reels—it’s about a coach whose nine-year run with the Nuggets ended in a way that clearly stings. Malone built Denver into a powerhouse, guiding them to consistent playoff runs and that 2023 title. But the front office’s decision to move on—reportedly tied to postseason disappointments and internal dynamics—left a mark. Now, as an ESPN analyst, Malone’s free to speak his mind, and hyping SGA over Jokić is a loud way to signal he’s done carrying Denver’s flag. It’s like he’s saying, “You moved on from me? Cool, I’m moving on too.”
The MVP race is already a lightning rod, with fans and pundits split on whether Jokić’s all-around brilliance or SGA’s clutch scoring deserves the crown. Malone’s comment just poured gas on that fire, and it’s no surprise it’s got everyone talking. Picture this: Malone in the booth, breaking down SGA’s step-back jumper while Nuggets fans at home clutch their Jokić jerseys, wondering if their former coach is taking a subtle jab. He’s not in the locker room anymore, but Malone’s voice still hits like a fastbreak dunk. As the Thunder and Timberwolves keep battling, you can bet every SGA bucket will have folks glancing at Malone, waiting for his next hot take. The man’s not coaching, but he’s still calling shots.
