Many people were looking forward to the battle of the MVP frontrunners in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, and the series has not disappoint

Jalen Williams made a pair of free throws with a second left to clinch the result, after the 3-point line served as a house of horrors for both teams in a short-rest matinee. Denver was 11 of 45. Oklahoma City was 10 of 41, prevailing despite a 36% shooting day from the field.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played like an MVP when he needed to with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso provided important sparks off the bench. In fact, SGA was the only Thunder starter to score more than 10, but they still had enough in large part because of their defensive effort.