Jokic Or Gilgeous-Alexander? Malone Picks His MVP

David

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Post on May 24, 2025

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Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander? Malone Sides with the Two-Time MVP in Heated MVP Debate

The NBA MVP race has been tighter than a well-guarded post-up this season, leaving fans and analysts alike fiercely debating the merits of Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But now, a significant voice has weighed in: Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. And his choice might surprise some.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has undeniably orchestrated a phenomenal season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading them to unexpected success, Malone, in a recent press conference, subtly tipped his hat towards the reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. This endorsement adds fuel to the already intense debate surrounding the coveted award.

Malone's Subtle Nod to Jokic's Dominance

Malone didn't explicitly declare Jokic the MVP outright, but his comments strongly implied a preference. He highlighted Jokic's consistent dominance, his unparalleled court vision, and his ability to elevate the entire Nuggets team. This isn't mere coach loyalty; it's a recognition of Jokic's statistical prowess and his intangible impact on the game. Malone pointed to Jokic's triple-double averages, his leadership on the court, and the Nuggets' impressive record, all strong indicators of an MVP-caliber season.

Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Campaign: A Contender's Case

This isn't to diminish Gilgeous-Alexander's extraordinary season. He's been nothing short of sensational, leading the Thunder's surprising playoff push with his scoring ability, tenacious defense, and leadership. His scoring averages are staggering, and his impact on a young, rebuilding team is undeniable. Many analysts point to his individual brilliance as a strong argument for the MVP award.

The Key Differences: Team Success vs. Individual Brilliance

The core of the Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander debate boils down to a fundamental question: is team success a more important factor than individual brilliance? Jokic's case is strengthened by the Nuggets’ top seed in the Western Conference, while Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable statistics are amplified by the unexpected success of a rebuilding Thunder team.

Here's a breakdown of the key arguments:

• Jokic: Consistently high triple-double averages, leads a top-seeded team, exceptional court vision and passing ability.
• Gilgeous-Alexander: Exceptional scoring prowess, leads a surprising playoff contender, impactful on both ends of the court.

The Verdict Remains Unclear: The Voting Process

Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters. While Malone's subtle endorsement carries weight, the final MVP award will be determined by a comprehensive assessment of both players' performances and contributions to their respective teams. The coming weeks will be crucial as the regular season concludes and the voting process unfolds. One thing is certain: this MVP race is one for the ages, and both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander deserve immense recognition for their phenomenal seasons.

What are your thoughts? Who do you think deserves the MVP award? Share your opinion in the comments below!

(This article will be updated with the official MVP announcement.)

Keywords: Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA MVP, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Michael Malone, MVP race, basketball, NBA playoffs, triple-double, scoring average, team success, individual brilliance.