NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 11, 2026, 11:30 AM ET
NBA Playoffs: Series Updates & Coaching Stability
The postseason picture grew clearer over the last 72 hours as several series reached critical junctures, though coaching stability emerged for one major contender. Steve Kerr agreed to a two-year contract espn.com to remain with the Golden State Warriors espn.com, easing concerns about the team's immediate future as they face tough offseason decisions regarding their core roster. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder espn.com maintained their perfect start, pushing their lead to 3-0 after impressively defeating the L.A. Lakers espn.com in Game, a contest where second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up espn.com while Jalen Williams remained sidelined. The betting markets reacted swiftly, with futures flipping the Lakers odds espn.com against the Rockets, now listing OKC at -160 favorites to win the title, while the Detroit Pistons espn.com also sought a 3-0 advantage in their own series.
The Eastern Conference semifinals saw the New York Knicks espn.com take commanding control, pushing the Philadelphia 76ers espn.com to the brink of elimination. Despite Joel Embiid's return on Friday night espn.com, the Sixers could not salvage Game, falling to New York as Jalen Brunson delivered 33 points espn.com to secure the 3-0 lead. In a separate Eastern Conference matchup, James Harden's clutch scoring espn.com provided the difference for the Cleveland Cavaliers espn.com, as his three critical baskets in the final two minutes helped push Cleveland past the Detroit Pistons espn.com, 116-109, cutting their deficit to 2-1. On the sidelines, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch criticized official Tony Brothers espn.com, labeling the referee's actions during Game 3 as "completely unprofessional behavior" following two separate confrontations in the fourth quarter.
Front Office Moves & Draft Preparation
As playoff action continues, front offices are already positioning for the offseason, exemplified by developments in Dallas. The Mavericks are reportedly hiring Mike Schmitz espn.com away from the Portland Trail Blazers espn.com to serve as General Manager, operating directly under President Masai Ujiri espn.com. This movement coincides with intense anticipation for the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery this Sunday, which is widely viewed as consequential, with one-third of the league seemingly tanking espn.com to secure a top selection. Analysts are already projecting the most likely first picks espn.com for every team involved in the lottery. Separately, prospect Darryn Peterson addressed recent health concerns espn.com, attributing mysterious and debilitating cramping issues to high doses of creatine use identified through post-season testing. The focus on young talent will shift to the NBA Draft Combine beginning Monday espn.com, where dozens of prospects will compete to boost their draft stock ahead of the main event.