NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 20, 2026, 11:42 PM ET
Conference Finals Recap
The New York Knicks pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA playoff history, overcoming a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-108 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. Jalen Brunson orchestrated the historic rally espn.com by relentlessly attacking James Harden off the dribble, finishing with 31 points and 10 assists while shooting 12-of-18 from the field. The Knicks trailed by 22 with 8:15 remaining espn.com before outscoring Cleveland 34-12 the rest of the way, converting 15 of 18 free throw attempts in the final frame. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson defended his timeout usage espn.com despite criticism for not calling timeout during the collapse, while the Cavaliers shot just 39% from the field in the fourth quarter as their defense collapsed. OG Anunoby practiced Saturday espn.com and appears likely to play in Game 2 after missing the series opener with a hamstring injury.
In the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a 1-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 32 points and 9 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander received his second consecutive MVP award espn.com in a pregame ceremony before struggling with his shooting efficiency, going 11-of-26 from the field. Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox was ruled out for Game 1 espn.com with a right ankle sprain, dealing a significant blow to San Antonio's perimeter defense. Thunder wing Jalen Williams declared himself healthy espn.com after missing the previous six games with a hamstring strain, providing a boost to Oklahoma City's rotation. Anthony Edwards tipped his hat to the Spurs espn.com after the series-clinching Game 6 win, acknowledging San Antonio as "the better team" despite Minnesota's elimination.
Coaching Changes & Front Office Moves
Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri confirmed he alone made the decision espn.com to fire head coach Jason Kidd after five seasons, calling it a "very tough decision" following the team's first-round exit. Kidd departed after compiling a 212-188 record espn.com with the Mavericks, leading them to the 2022 Western Conference finals but failing to advance past the first round this season. The New Orleans Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley espn.com as their new head coach, luring him from Orlando where he went 189-221 over five seasons with three playoff appearances. Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly promised an aggressive offseason espn.com to transform the franchise into an NBA elite after another disappointing playoff exit, though star Anthony Edwards acknowledged San Antonio's superiority espn.com in their series.
Portland Trail Blazers laid off numerous business-side employees espn.com as part of a major reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon, signaling cost-cutting measures across the organization. Detroit Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon expressed desire to retain espn.com both All-Star center Jalen Duren and veteran forward Tobias Harris, though both players will test free agency this summer. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff called the season "not a disappointment" espn.com despite a 125-94 Game 7 loss to Cleveland, noting the team's progress in developing young players.
Offseason Outlook & Draft Preparation
The NBA draft combine featured extensive 5-on-5 scrimmages espn.com in Chicago, with teams evaluating prospects ahead of the June draft. Jeremy Woo's mock draft projects espn.com all 60 picks after an eventful week that saw several prospects improve their stock. Oklahoma City and San Antonio lead the league in draft assets espn.com, controlling much of the next eight drafts through trades and strategic maneuvering. Victor Wembanyama credited ancient Chinese warrior training espn.com for his development into basketball's most unstoppable force, working with monks in central China to refine his unique skill set.
The San Antonio Spurs will face the Pelicans in Paris and Manchester espn.com on January 14 and 17 next season, continuing the NBA's international expansion. LeBron James will record a live podcast with Tyrese Haliburton espn.com at Fanatics Fest NYC, creating content for his "Mind the Game" series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander presented teammates with luxury gifts espn.com including Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats, and golf clubs after winning his second MVP award.
Australian basketball legend Joe Ingles confirmed his return to Melbourne United espn.com on a two-year deal, calling the decision "incredibly special" after his NBA career concluded. Rick Fox was appointed to the Bahamian Senate espn.com as part of the main opposition party, transitioning from three-time NBA champion to political figure. Ben Simmons reportedly explored sportfishing espn.com during his basketball hiatus, diversifying interests beyond the court.
League-Wide Offseason Planning
Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst identified five franchise-altering decisions espn.com facing NBA teams this summer, including potential supermax extensions and trade scenarios. The Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and every eliminated team enter full offseason mode espn.com as they prepare for draft workouts, free agency, and potential trades. Cleveland trolled the Pistons on social media espn.com following their Game 7 victory, celebrating the rivalry with Detroit. With Karl-Anthony Towns morphing into a point-center espn.com for New York, the Knicks' offense has looked virtually unstoppable heading into the conference finals.