NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 5:58 AM ET

Playoff Drama: Cavs-Pistons Series Heads to Game 7

The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from a nine-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime, capturing a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The dramatic victory came one game after the NBA upheld the officials' decision not to call a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of Game, determining the no-call was correct. Despite the loss, Detroit has proven resilient throughout these playoffs, having won four elimination games before Friday's defeat. The series now shifts back to Cleveland for Game, with the Pistons' championship odds having shifted dramatically—oddsmakers now list Detroit as 60-1 long shots after the Cavs' Game 5 victory.

In a moment of sportsmanship amid playoff heartbreak, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards walked over to the Spurs bench to congratulate San Antonio after the Wolves were eliminated, marking the third consecutive season Minnesota has fallen short in the postseason. Edwards acknowledged the Spurs as "the better team" and sought to "give them their respect" in a gesture that drew praise around the league.

Western Conference Finals Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams declared himself healthy for the Western Conference finals after missing six games with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, providing a significant boost to the top-seeded Thunder. The timing of his return could prove crucial as OKC prepares to face a San Antonio team riding momentum from their upset over Denver. The NBA announced it will unveil this season's MVP award on Sunday night, the day before Game 1 of the Thunder-Spurs series, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama among the finalists.

San Antonio's young roster continues to benefit from the franchise's legendary mentorship program, as team legends including Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and David Robinson are actively teaching the inexperienced squad the "Spurs Way" that has defined the franchise's success over decades.

Warriors Front Office Turmoil

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged he must improve in his 13th season with the franchise, marking his first media availability since announcing his return. The Warriors also announced that assistant coaches Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse will not return next season, signaling significant changes to the coaching staff after a disappointing campaign. Meanwhile, an eBay user paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch with Warriors star Stephen Curry, the highest bid in the auction's history for the opportunity to dine with the future Hall of Famer and noted investor.

League News and Offseason Outlook

James Harden moved past Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time postseason scoring list, hitting a step-back three-pointer in the first quarter of Cleveland's Game 6 against Detroit. The milestone underscores Harden's longevity as a playoff performer despite his team's earlier exit.

In Milwaukee, Bucks center Myles Turner revealed on his podcast that former coach Doc Rivers "didn't fine anybody ever" during his tenure, and that Giannis Antetokounmpo would "show up whenever he wants," offering insight into the team's internal dynamics during a turbulent season.

Philadelphia 76ers executive Bob Myers, overseeing the franchise's general manager search, stated the organization is seeking candidates who can work "in harmony" to help deliver a championship, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit alongside basketball acumen.

The NBA draft combine concluded in Chicago with several standout performances generating buzz among scouts, while league executives are already anticipating five pivotal decisions that could reshape the NBA landscape this summer. ESPN's offseason guides break down what lies ahead for eliminated teams including Orlando, Boston, Denver, and Golden State as they look to reload for next season.