NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

NBA Playoff Series Updates

The New York Knicks seized a 2-0 series lead over Cleveland with a 109-93 victory Thursday, powered by Josh Hart’s playoff-career-high 26 points. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers found encouragement in their performance and noted they have previously erased a 2-0 deficit. In the Western Conference finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back with a win to tie the series, getting 30 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forcing 21 turnovers. The Spurs, already without De’Aaron Fox, suffered a hamstring injury to Dylan Harper in that loss. Thunder star Jalen Williams was listed day-to-day with a left hamstring injury, while LeBron James lamented the Lakers’ talent gap after their early exit, saying they were “out-talented” by OKC.

Coaching Moves & Front Office

The Dallas Mavericks mutually parted ways with coach Jason Kidd, a decision Mavericks president Masai Ujiri called “very tough” and his alone. The move comes as Orlando and Chicago continue their head-coaching searches, while New Orleans and Milwaukee have already filled vacancies. Off the court, the Portland Trail Blazers implemented significant layoffs on the business side as new owner Tom Dundon begins a reorganization. Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly acknowledged the season’s shortcomings, calling the team’s performance “not good enough” and vowing an aggressive offseason to reach NBA elite status.

Awards & Future Prospects

The NBA announced its All-Rookie teams Wednesday, with Cooper Flagg (Mavericks), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), and VJ Edgecombe (Sixers) earning unanimous first-team selections. The reveal came as speculation mounted about the draft lottery and potential franchise-altering picks. Separately, LeBron James’s future with the Lakers remains a major offseason storyline, with multiple teams expected to pursue the four-time MVP if he opts out. The Cavaliers’ core, back in the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era, faces a ticking clock as their window with the current roster may be narrowing.

International & Development

A feature explored how ancient warrior training in central China helped shape Victor Wembanyama into an unstoppable force, detailing his work with Shaolin monks to enhance flexibility and mental focus. The unique regimen is cited as a key factor in his rapid development into a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate. The story highlights the global search for athletic innovation as teams invest in cutting-edge player development.

Series Implications & Matchup Scenarios

With the conference finals shaping up, analysts broke down potential Finals matchups, including the intriguing possibility of a Spurs-Knicks series or a Thunder-Cavaliers clash. The Knicks’ defensive identity and the Thunder’s youthful explosiveness are seen as defining traits of the remaining teams. The Cavaliers, despite their 0-2 hole, pointed to past resilience in overcoming deficits as a reason for optimism, though history shows just 14% of teams come back from such a start.