"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he's MVP," Michael Malone said Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN's postgame coverage when discussing the Oklahoma City Thunder's 114-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

It's been a battle as the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder continued to slug it out on the court. However, Sunday's game decided who would go on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and who would head home.

The Nuggets have identified by their continuity for years. As their season ended in Oklahoma City, it was with the understanding that times might be changing.

The Thunder left no doubt in Game 7, dismantling the Nuggets behind 22 forced turnovers and a swarming defense.

After a strong showing on defense throughout the regular season, Oklahoma City's defense has carried the team to two playoff series wins.

Former Denver Nuggets NBA champion head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN for the network’s continued NBA playoff coverage. Malone, 53, will be a guest analyst on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” for the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves beginning Tuesday in Oklahoma City,