In the 2024–25 NBA season, the MVP race captivated fans with a compelling showdown between Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). Despite the Thunder’s remarkable 68–14 record and SGA’s impressive 32.7 points per game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone staunchly advocated for his star player.
Malone argued that if voters assessed the candidates without knowing their identities, Jokić’s statistics—a triple-double average and top-three rankings in key categories—would make him an obvious choice. He emphasized that such achievements were unprecedented and warranted recognition. Malone’s defense of Jokić was passionate, stating, “If you don’t think so, I think you guys are all full of s–t.”
Jokić, for his part, remained humble. He acknowledged his stellar performance but expressed contentment with his contributions, stating, “I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life.” He also praised SGA’s exceptional season, highlighting the competitiveness of the MVP race.
Ultimately, SGA was honored with the MVP award, marking a significant milestone in his career. His leadership propelled the Thunder to the league’s best record, and his individual performance was a testament to his growth and dedication.
While Malone’s defense of Jokić underscored his commitment to his player, it also sparked discussions about the criteria for MVP selection. The debate highlighted the balance between individual statistics and team success, reflecting the complexities of awarding the league’s most prestigious individual honor.
