Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received some unexpected support Tuesday for his MVP case.

"He showed why he's the MVP," Malone, who joined ESPN as an analyst for the conference finals, said on the broadcast after the Thunder's 114-88 Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. "He took over in the second half."

Malone's comments will likely sting for Nuggets fans who hope to see star center Nikola Jokic win a fourth MVP honor. The Serbian center is again a finalist this season, along with Gilgeous-Alexander and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo - though the race is expected to come down to Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Nuggets fired Malone April 8 with just three games remaining in their regular season. The dismissal is tied for the latest in-season coaching change in NBA history. He was replaced by his top assistant, David Adelman, who took Denver to the second round where it lost to the Thunder in seven games.

Malone first joined the Nuggets in 2015-16 in what was also Jokic's rookie campaign. The two spent 10 years together and were pivotal in Denver's 2023 championship, the only title in franchise history.