Playing back-to-back seven-game series, Denver had Oklahoma hand them a semi-final exit. After proceeding to the WCF, the Thunder showed complete dominance in Game 1. Addressing OKC's win, Mike Malone mentioned how Shai showed he was the true MVP, stirring up social media.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2024-25 MVP award over Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, just like Michael Malone said he would.

Malone spent 10 years at the helm in Denver before the front office decided to move in another direction. During his time with the Nuggets, the Queens, New York native amassed a 471-327 record. He was named Western Conference Coach of the Month on two separate occasions.