Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone made headlines this week as he tapped Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the rightful MVP. All over social media, fans have expressed shock at the comments, and some even came to Jokic's defense, like former head coach George Karl, who went viral for a recent statement on X.

Let’s chart the biggest issues and likely next steps for the NBA teams that faced an early exit in the 2025 Playoffs.

Michael Malone said on Tuesday in Game 1 between the OKC Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP.

Boston Celtics coach and former LA Clippers guard Sam Cassell shared an interesting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander story.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his first career NBA MVP award for the 2024-25 season. More NBA news: Knicks Star Karl Anthony Towns Drops Epic Hype Video Before Eastern Conference Finals

Former Thunder and NBA champion Kendrick Perkins took to halftime of the Knicks and Celtics Game 6 matchup to fire off a laughable Jokic statement. “Jokic wouldn’t have wanted this smoke. Kobe [Bryant] said I was the best post defender on the league," Perkins claimed. Simply put, fans did not agree with this sentiment.

The Denver Nuggets picked up a huge win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday to force a Game 7. Three-time NBA MVP center Nikola Jokic is looking to bolst

The Denver Nuggets aren't done yet. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals, Denver came out with urgency and energy, powered by a remarkable performance