NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 19, 2026, 5:52 AM ET
Western Conference Finals Setup
The NBA's MVP award ceremony collided with Western Conference finals preparations Monday as Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he "has to be better" after a subpar performance hours following his second straight MVP trophy presentation. The Spurs, meanwhile, received a significant blow when De'Aaron Fox was ruled out for Game 1 of the West finals due to a right ankle sprain, though teammate Jalen Williams declared himself healthy entering the series after missing six games with a left hamstring strain. The league announced it will unveil the MVP winner Sunday night, pitting two finalists—SGA and Victor Wembanyama—against each other in the series opener. Oklahoma City's SGA further made headlines by gifting his teammates Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats, and golf clubs in a "From 2" celebration.
Cavaliers-Pistons Series Aftermath
Cleveland's sweep of Detroit in the Eastern Conference semifinals concluded with a 125-94 Game 7 rout, prompting Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff to insist the season "was not a disappointment" despite the lopsided loss. The Cavaliers, however, now face enormous pressure as a third straight second-round exit would invite major questions about their superstar duo, with rival teams closely monitoring the potential fallout. Detroit's resilient playoff run, which included four elimination-game victories, saw their championship odds plummet to 60-1 after the Game 7 defeat. In a lighter moment, Cleveland players trolled Detroit multiple times on social media immediately after the final buzzer. The Pistons' offseason outlook is now a major focus, joining the Timberwolves, Lakers, and other eliminated teams in ESPN's comprehensive offseason guides.
Coaching Carousel Moves
The Pelicans have hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, ending a five-year tenure in Orlando where he compiled a 189-221 record but led the Magic to three playoff appearances. His hiring completes a coaching cycle that also saw Milwaukee find its next coach, while Chicago and Orlando continue their searches for long-term fits. The move comes as the NBA draft combine concluded in Chicago, with scouts finalizing their evaluations on the upcoming talent pool.
Injury Updates & Player Health
Knicks wing OG Anunoby practiced Saturday and reported his right hamstring injury is "not as bad" as the one that plagued him during last year's playoffs, offering a positive outlook for New York's Eastern Conference finals preparations.
Off-Court Notes
Retired three-time NBA champion Rick Fox has been appointed a senator for the opposition in the Bahamas, five years after his unsuccessful run for parliament. Australian star Joe Ingles confirmed his "incredibly special" return to the NBL with Melbourne United on a two-year deal. In a record-setting charity event, an eBay user paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch with Warriors star Stephen Curry and investor Warren Buffett. Steve Kerr, critical of his own coaching performance last season, confirmed his return to Golden State for a 13th campaign, stating "I have to be better". Finally, Duke phenom Cooper Flagg and Arianna Roberts confirmed their relationship with shared vacation photos from Turks and Caicos.