FORMER Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone had to clear things up about a previous remark on live television.
Malone’s clarification of a prior comment about the Oklahoma City Thunder star and 2024-25 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
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Michael Malone is currently an ESPN analyst after being fired from the Denver Nuggets in the 2024-25 season after 10 years as the team’s head coachCredit: Getty
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Malone had to clarify past remarks made about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals
Malone has been working as a guest for ESPN after being fired by the Denver Nuggets before the regular season following a 10-year tenure as the team’s coach.
After the Thunder’s dominant Game 1 win over the Timberwolves, Malone said that Gilgeous-Alexander “showed why he’s the MVP” in speaking about his 31-point performance.
However, the praise was interpreted by some fans as a subtle diss at Nikola Jokic, his three-time MVP former player.
But Malone cleared the air and insisted that his heart was with Jokic, who finished second in MVP voting behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I did vote for [Jokic] again this year, if I had a vote,” Malone said on ESPN before Game 2 in Oklahoma City.
“Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because right now, I’m getting a lot of heat back home.”
ESPN’s analysts, including Stephen A. Smith, could then be heard laughing at the comment.
Malone’s remarks came just after Gilgeous-Alexander received the league MVP trophy from commissioner Adam Silver in a pregame ceremony at Paycom Center.
The ex-coach wasn’t part of the global media panel of 100 voters who vote on the MVP award.
Jokic led the Nuggets to the second round of the NBA playoffs.
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His Nuggets, however, would be eliminated by Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder in seven games.
The Thunder put together another dominating outing in Game 2, beating the Timberwolves 118-103 in front of an electric Oklahoma City Crowd.
Gilgeous-Alexander had an even better performance in the contest, recording 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field along with eight assists and three rebounds.
The 26-year-old also added three steals.
Malone led the Nuggets to their first franchise championship in 2023.
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Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren celebrate during the Thunder’s Game 2 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
He was shockingly relieved of his coaching duties with just three games left to go in the regular season.
Malone will continue to work on ESPN’s NBA Countdown pregame and halftime studio shows during the Western Conference Finals.
Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Thunder and Timberwolves will be on Saturday night in Minnesota.