Nikola Jokic is 'turned off' by 'nasty' MVP debate, Nuggets coach Michael Malone says

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Denver Nuggets 118-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night helped keep the team in the top spot in the Western Conference standings.

But, star center Nikola Jokic has seemed to fallen out of the NBA MVP front-runner position, after some of his defensive shortcomings were highlighted during the team's recent struggles.

After Wednesday night's game, Denver's head coach Michael Malone spoke out against the ongoing debate around the league's Most Valuable Player award.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Feb 28, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

"I think this year unfortunately has just taken a really ugly, nasty turn in the MVP conversation, and I think it's really turned a lot of people off, including him," Malone said.

Jokic was awarded the MVP trophy following the 2021 season, and he received MVP honors for a second consecutive time last year.

"And what's happening now is there's so many guys that could win the MVP this year. Great candidates. Joel Embiid is a great candidate, Luka Doncic is a great candidate, Jayson Tatum -- whoever you want to put in that mix, those are all deserving. But what happens in today's society is that everybody, it's like when I was a college coach and all the negative recruiting. It's not promoting my guy, it's ripping down every other guy. And that's just ridiculous," Malone noted.

LEBRON JAMES REBUKES INJURY TIMETABLE REPORTS: 'GOD BLESS Y'ALL SOURCES'

Malone called for more overall positive