NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 18, 2026, 5:52 AM ET
Conference Finals Preview
The NBA is set for its conference finals matchups as the Thunder secured home-court advantage espn.com against the Spurs, while the Cavaliers advanced after routing the Pistons 125-94 espn.com in Game. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second consecutive MVP award espn.com, becoming just the 14th player in league history to back-to-back MVP honors. The MVP announcement will come Sunday night, just before the Thunder and Spurs meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. On the injury front, Thunder wing Jalen Williams declared himself healthy espn.com after missing six games with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, while Knicks forward OG Anunoby reported his hamstring injury is less severe espn.com than the one he suffered during the 2024 playoffs.
Pistons Elimination & Cavaliers Victory
Despite a disappointing 125-94 loss espn.com in Game, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff maintained that the season was "not a disappointment" given the team's development. The Cavaliers, however, wasted no time trolling their rivals espn.com after the victory with multiple references to "always beat Michigan" as they advanced to the franchise's first Eastern Conference finals since LeBron James' final year in Cleveland. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell continued his postseason dominance espn.com, while James Harden moved past Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list during the series. The NBA confirmed officials made the correct call espn.com by not calling a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of Game, though the decision had been controversial throughout the series.
Postseason Analysis & Offseason Outlook
As the conference finals approach, league experts outlined five star decisions espn.com that could dramatically reshape team rosters this offseason, with particular focus on the Magic, Celtics, Nuggets and Warriors who were eliminated from contention. The Cavaliers' breakthrough to the conference finals espn.com has answered questions about their superstars, though analysts note this was their third consecutive trip to the second round. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards showed respect to the Spurs espn.com after being eliminated, acknowledging they were "the better team" in the series, which highlighted San Antonio's impressive young core development under coach Gregg Popovich.
Draft Preparation & Combine Highlights
With the postseason narrowing to four teams, attention is turning to the upcoming NBA draft as combine evaluators identified key questions espn.com about prospects from the second day of 5-on-5 scrimmages in Chicago. Teams eliminated from the playoffs are already mapping out their offseason strategies espn.com, with particular focus on draft selections, free agency targets, and potential trade scenarios. The combine revealed several prospects who could impact the draft order, as teams evaluate talent for a draft that could significantly reshape several franchise trajectories.
Personal Stories & Team Changes
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged areas for improvement espn.com in his 12th season, stating "I have to be better" as he prepares for his 13th year with the franchise. Meanwhile, Warriors assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse espn.com are departing the organization, signaling potential changes to Golden State's coaching staff. In a surprising development, an eBay user paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch espn.com with Warriors star and legendary investor, highlighting the extraordinary market for celebrity experiences. Bucks center Myles Turner discussed coaching philosophies espn.com on his podcast, revealing that former coach Doc Rivers "didn't fine anybody ever" and that Giannis Antetokounmpo would "show up whenever he wants."
Spurs Culture & Development
The Spurs continue to emphasize their unique culture as veteran legends teach the "Spurs Way" espn.com to the team's inexperienced roster, featuring Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and David Robinson. The team's approach has impressed opponents, as evidenced by Anthony Edwards' respectful acknowledgment after Minnesota's elimination. San Antonio's young core, led by potential MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama, has shown remarkable development despite limited playoff experience, though they face a stiff challenge against the Thunder's SGA in the conference finals.
76ers Front Office Update
Former Warriors executive Bob Myers outlined the criteria for the 76ers' next general manager espn.com, stating the franchise is looking for "good people that are in harmony" to help them win a championship. Myers, who is overseeing the GM search, emphasized the importance of cultural fit alongside basketball expertise as Philadelphia looks to rebuild around their core of young talent. The search comes amid questions about the team's direction after another season fell short of championship expectations.