NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 2:51 AM ET

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

The Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals after throttling the top-seeded Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 at Little Caesars Arena, ending Detroit's season despite their valiant effort to force a decisive seventh contest. Cleveland's victory, which came after the Pistons overcame a huge deficit in Game 6, marked the franchise's first trip to the conference finals since LeBron James' final year in Cleveland. The Cavaliers immediately shifted their focus to trolling their Michigan rivals after the final buzzer, showcasing the growing rivalry between the two teams. Meanwhile, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff maintained that despite the disappointing exit, the season was "not a disappointment", highlighting the team's remarkable improvement throughout the year.

Western Conference Finals Outlook

As the NBA prepares for the conference finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has secured his second consecutive MVP award, becoming just the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors. The NBA will formally announce this season's MVP on Sunday night, the day before two of the finalists—SGA and Spurs' Victor Wembanyama—meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Oklahoma City Thunder star wing Jalen Williams declared himself healthy for the series after missing the past six games with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, providing a significant boost to the Thunder's championship hopes. In New York, Knicks forward OG Anunoby reported that his right hamstring injury is not as severe as the one he sustained during last year's playoffs, raising optimism about his availability for the Eastern Conference finals.

Playoff Legacy and Historical Milestones

James Harden passed Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time postseason scoring list during Cleveland's Game 6 victory against Detroit, further cementing his legacy among the league's all-time greats. The Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards showed remarkable sportsmanship by walking to the Spurs bench to "give them their respect" after Minnesota's elimination, acknowledging that San Antonio was "the better team" in their playoff series. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers narrowly avoided what would have been their third consecutive second-round elimination, which would have sparked enormous questions about their superstars and attracted significant attention from rival teams monitoring their potential weaknesses.

Offseason Approaches for Eliminated Teams

With the conference finals set to begin, the offseason approaches for 26 NBA teams, including the Pistons, Timberwolves, and Lakers. The Pistons face critical decisions after their promising season ended with a second-round exit, while the Timberwolves continue to grapple with third straight playoff disappointments. League executives are closely watching five teams with potential league-altering decisions this summer, including potential blockbuster trades, franchise-altering draft selections, and high-profile free agency moves. The NBA draft combine in Chicago has provided teams with valuable insights as they prepare for the upcoming draft, with scouts identifying several risers and fallers during the second day of 5-on-5 scrimmages.

Franchise Developments and Personal Stories

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr criticized his own performance during his first media availability since deciding to return for a 13th season, acknowledging that he "have to be better" in his upcoming campaign. Kerr's self-reflection comes as the Warriors navigate a period of transition while maintaining championship aspirations. In other personal news, Warriors star Stephen Curry and legendary investor Warren Buffett generated significant buzz when an eBay user paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch with the pair, highlighting Curry's marketability and the unique opportunities available to NBA superstars. Meanwhile, basketball recruits Cooper Flagg and Arianna Robinson confirmed their relationship during a discussion about their vacation to Turks and Caicos, drawing attention from fans and media alike.