During an intense debate on "Inside the NBA" on TNT, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson discussed the NBA MVP candidacy of Nikola Jokic, with a particular focus on comparing his stats to those of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Shaq argued that while Jokic's numbers are impressive, they don't sufficiently surpass those of Gilgeous-Alexander to make him the clear MVP choice. He highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander's significant scoring contributions, versatility, and leadership in propelling his team to a strong season. Ernie Johnson countered by emphasizing Jokic's unique all-around game, noting his exceptional passing, rebounding, and ability to make his teammates better. Johnson pointed out that Jokic's impact goes beyond raw statistics, as he is the central figure in the Denver Nuggets' offensive and defensive schemes. The debate underscored differing viewpoints on evaluating MVP candidates, with Shaq focusing on direct statistical comparisons and Johnson stressing the broader influence a player has on their team's success. The spirited discussion reflected the complexities of MVP voting and the subjective nature of determining the league's most valuable player.