Michael Malone took the opportunity ahead of Game 2 to clarify that he supported Nikola Jokic for MVP this season. Malone praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Game 1 saying he "showed why he's the MVP" in his 31-point performance in Oklahoma City's win over the Timberwolves.
"I did vote for him again this year, if I had a vote," Malone said of Jokic. "Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because right now, I'm getting a lot of heat back home."
The remark had led to some speculation that he was upset with Jokic following his firing by the Nuggets at the end of the regular season. Malone was consistent in his support for Jokic's MVP arguments throughout his tenure with the Nuggets.
Jokic has three MVPs and two runner-up finishes over the past five seasons.
Via ESPN