While the Western Conference Finals tipped off on Tuesday night between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves, one team that was watching the game from home was the Denver Nuggets.
Denver was eliminated by the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs as they suffered a blowout loss in Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
With the loss, the Nuggets’ campaign came to a disappointing ending and they have some key decisions to make in the offseason.
Of course, one of those decisions includes who they choose to fill their vacancy at the head coaching position after they elected to fire Michael Malone late in the season.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone congratulates center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone congratulates center Nikola Jokic (15) in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
David Adelman did a solid job as Denver’s interim head coach as he led them to the second round of the playoffs where they came just a game away from reaching the Western Conference Finals, but the Nuggets could look elsewhere and hire a new head coach.
While the Nuggets will have that decision to make in the offseason, their fans were none too pleased with former coach Malone on Tuesday night after his comments regarding the MVP race went viral after Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
“(Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone said after Shai’s incredible performance in Game 1.
Malone’s comments did not sit well with the Nuggets’ fanbase as many voiced their frustration after his comments about Shai.
“Jokic gave him a ring,” one fan posted on X.
“Lol. Jokic should be the MVP,” another fan commented.
“No wonder he got fired,” another post said.
“LEGENDARY HATE WATCH,” another fan posted.
Of course, Malone supported Nikola Jokic winning MVP this season during his time with the Nuggets but after they fired him, it appears that Malone has changed his mind, which could be due to hard feelings.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Either way, both Shai and Jokic both had incredible seasons that have made them MVP finalists this season but it is clear that Nuggets fans are not happy with their former coach after his comments on Tuesday night.