NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 8:46 PM ET

Eastern Conference Finals: Cavaliers Advance Past Pistons

The Cleveland Cavaliers throttled the top-seeded Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena, crushing Detroit's season and booking a return to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since LeBron James' final year in Cleveland. Mitchell led the charge as the Cavaliers used their veteran poise to dismantle a Pistons team that had been the East's top seed all season. Moments after the buzzer sounded, Cleveland turned its attention to trolling Detroit multiple times, a petty flourish that underscored just how emphatic the victory was. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, despite watching his Pistons suffer the blowout loss, told reporters afterward that the season was "not a disappointment", a line that will resonate differently depending on which fan base is reading it. For the Cavs, the path forward is now clearer: with Mitchell breaking through and the roster clicking at the right time, Cleveland enters the conference finals as a legitimate threat. NBA insiders answered the biggest questions heading into the conference finals, from statistical trends to matchup keys, while scouts described the coming rounds as a chess match, suggesting the remaining series will be decided by small margins and mid-game adjustments rather than star power alone. ESPN's panel of experts made their picks for both conference finals, with the consensus tilting toward Cleveland and the Oklahoma City Thunder advancing from the West.

Western Conference Finals: Thunder and Spurs Set for Historic Series

Across the bracket, the Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for a Western Conference finals showdown against the San Antonio Spurs that has been labeled one of the best conference finals matchups in NBA history. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his second consecutive MVP award, becoming just the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back honors, a coronation that cements his status as the franchise's cornerstone. SGA reportedly gifted his teammates Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats and golf clubs as a celebration, a lavish gesture that speaks to the culture of success now surrounding the young core. Jalen Williams, who missed the past six games with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, declared himself healthy entering the Western Conference finals, a key return for a team that has been lean at the wing position. Kram dove into what the Spurs-Thunder regular-season matchups reveal about this clash, pointing to San Antonio's system and Oklahoma City's depth as the two defining narratives. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards walked over to the Spurs bench to "give them their respect" after the Timberwolves were eliminated, a moment of sportsmanship that stood in contrast to Cleveland's post-game antics in the East.

Offseason Moves and Coaching Shakeup

With the postseason bracket now set, the coaching carousel is already spinning. The Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, bringing in the Orlando Magic assistant who compiled a 189-221 record over five seasons but led Orlando to three playoff berths and a culture of defensive intensity. New Orleans and Milwaukee have found their long-term fits, while Orlando and Chicago are still searching for the right permanent leader. Off the court, retired three-time champion Rick Fox was appointed opposition senator in the Bahamas after losing his general election bid, a political pivot that takes the former Celtics and Lakers forward into an entirely new arena. For the rest of the league, the offseason is officially underway; ESPN's offseason guides break down what lies ahead for the Pistons, Wolves, Lakers and every eliminated team, from draft strategy to free agency priorities. Five teams are flagged as having league-altering decisions this summer, a reminder that roster construction can reshape contention overnight. The Knicks' OG Anunoby returned to practice and said his right hamstring injury is not as severe as the one that sidelined him in the 2024 playoffs, a positive sign for New York's depth chart. ESPN's draft crew summarized the biggest takeaways from the combine's second day of 5-on-5 scrimmages in Chicago, offering a preview of the incoming talent pool that will reshape rosters this summer.