NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 2:44 AM ET

Conference Finals Action

The Oklahoma City Thunder roared back from a 15-0 deficit in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals Friday, with coach Mark Daigneault quickly turning to his bench after a brutal start against the San Antonio Spurs. The move paid off as Oklahoma City pulled away in convincing fashion, extending their home-court dominance in the series. The victory came despite the absence of star wing Jalen Williams, who was ruled out with a left hamstring injury for the night. That absence marked the first time in 33 playoff games that the Thunder entered a contest as underdogs with San Antonio opening as favorites, ending a two-year, 34-game streak where Oklahoma City had been favored throughout the postseason. The Thunder's ability to overcome adversity without their scoring wing speaks to the depth Daigneault has built, and it positions them with a significant series advantage heading into Game.

Lakers and Cavs Face Tough Holes

LeBron James acknowledged the talent gap after watching the Thunder dismantle the Lakers in the playoffs, telling reporters the team was "out-talented" by Oklahoma City. That admission comes as the Los Angeles franchise continues to process its long-term direction. Across the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped into a 2-0 hole after a double-digit loss, yet coaching staff expressed confidence in the team's ability to erase the deficit, pointing to their history of coming back from similar scenarios. Still, pressure is mounting on Cleveland's aging core as the franchise returns to the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era ended. Insider buzz suggests James' future in Los Angeles remains unresolved, and the latest reports from Brian Windhorst's podcast hint at roster moves ahead of free agency, adding another layer of uncertainty to a league already grappling with championship momentum shifts.

Rookie and Defensive Honors

The NBA announced its All-Rookie First Team on Wednesday, with Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks, Kon Knueppel of the Hornets, and VJ Edgecombe of the Sixers earning unanimous selections. The trio led a class that was evaluated during an exciting week at the 2026 NBA combine, setting the stage for a competitive draft class. On the other end of the court, the All-Defensive First Team featured Victor Wembanyama as the lone unanimous selection, joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White. Wembanyama's defensive dominance has been well documented, with a recent profile detailing how ancient warrior training in central China helped forge his relentless instincts. His combination of shot-blocking and perimeter defense makes him the most disruptive force in the league, and his selection alongside Holmgren — another Oklahoma City product — underscores how the Thunder have built a defensive identity from the ground up.

Coaching Moves and Front Office Turbulence

The NBA coaching carousel continued its rotation with Jason Kidd and the Mavericks parting ways, while New Orleans and Milwaukee found their next head coaches. Orlando and Chicago remain in search of long-term fits, signaling that several franchises are still evaluating their paths forward. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers laid off a significant number of business-side employees as part of a reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon, raising questions about the franchise's financial stability and competitive timeline. On the draft front, OKC and San Antonio control much of the next eight drafts, a reality that gives both teams enormous flexibility in building around their current cores. ESPN's updated 2026 mock draft predicted all 60 picks after the combine, reflecting a draft class that could reshape the league's next generation of stars.

Social Justice and Season Recognition

Bam Adebayo received the NBA's Social Justice Champion award, recognizing his community work and advocacy beyond the court. The honor comes during a season in which the Miami Heat guard has balanced elite two-way play with a visible commitment to social issues, reinforcing the league's push to celebrate players who use their platform for impact. The announcement capped a week of accolades that also saw the Thunder solidify their status as Western Conference favorites and the Spurs' Wembanyama earn defensive recognition, setting the stage for what promises to be a grueling finish to the conference finals.