Nikola Jokić gets his revenge! The Nuggets tied the regular season series (2-2) against the OKC Thunder after the dramatic back-to-back challenge at Paycom Center. Before the doubleheader, everyone looked forward to it because of the ultimate cat-and-mouse MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. While the Serbian had an edge over SGA throughout the season, the guard pulled him down to the second spot last week. Amid this heated battle, Coach Michael Malone made a stern MVP case. 

The Thunder guard has been in the zone throughout the season, knocking down 30-pointers consistently. While he was on the MVP conversation alongside the rest of the superstars, the Canadian guard’s four 50-pointers in a 19-game span put him on top of the ladder.

Currently, SGA leads the MVP race, averaging 32.9 ppg, 5.1 rbs, and 6.2 asts per game. Moreover, he is only next to Dyson Daniels for most steals on the defensive end. 

That’s the hallmark of an impressive two-way player!

However, the Thunder guard didn’t just top the ladder but pulled down 3x MVP Nikola Jokić to the second spot. This didn’t sit well with the Nuggets coach. Michael Malone agreed that SGA was a “great player” and even said he would deserve it if he gets it. In the same breath, he questioned the juries if they had voter fatigue.

“My thing is this, you know, if you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put player A and player B on paper and you had no idea that the guy who’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done, he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” said Malone. He’s right. Jokic’s having a monster season!

The Serb averages 28.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.5 assists, shooting at an effective field goal rate of 57.4%. Rub your eyes coz you read that right! Well, that’s a way to put it. Nikola Jokić is expected to finish top 5 in points, rebounds, assists, and steals this season. 

While the reporters received Malone’s statement quietly, he further said, “If you don’t think so, I think you guys are all full of sh*t,” with a smile on his face. Moreover, he didn’t stop at that. The champion coach went on to expose SGA’s weakness as well.

Michael Malone exposes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

With SGA overtaking Joker at the crucial time of the season, the big man had one option: defeat the table-toppers 2-0. Unfortunately, the Thunder took a grand 127-103 victory in the first game, leaving Jokic’s MVP chances in trouble. However, Malone wasn’t ready to let that slide quickly.

Shai, who knocked down yet another 40-pointer in the first game, barely crossed 20 points last night. It did the trick, as the Denver side leveled the series with a 140-127 win.

Last night, SGA finished the game with 25 points and took only 14 shots in the entire game. While the shooting efficiency is good on the eyes, it’s quite unusual to see SGA shoot under 15 shots. The guard averages 21.5 shot attempts per game this season. So, the Nuggets seemed to have done a trick.

Speaking at the presser, a reporter asked Malone about his defensive plan for SGA. The proud coach said, “I mean, the best way to stop a great player is don’t let him get the ball. And if he has the ball, to get the ball out of his hands and force other guys to step up.” 

However, it comes with a price. Malone added, “You live with Lu Dort making eight threes, you live with some of these other guys making threes.” 

Nevertheless, it did the trick. The Nuggets walked away with the blowout win. What do you make of it? Let us know in the comments below.