“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he’s the MVP,” Malone, who will be featured on ESPN throughout the network’s coverage of the series, said after the game. “He took over in the second half. Did so in a very efficient manner, and he put the team on his back.”

Aaron Gordon's hamstring injury put a spotlight on the Denver Nuggets' limited depth in their NBA playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Michael Malone, fired by the Denver Nuggets with just three games left in the regular season, will join the ESPN coverage team at the Western Conference finals.