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12 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 8:41 PM ET

Playoff Pulse

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a sluggish start in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, erasing a 15-0 deficit to the San Antonio Spurs within the first three minutes before triumphing 123-108 behind a dominant bench effort that contributed 76 points. The victory came despite Jalen Williams exiting with a left hamstring injury, leaving his status day-to-day ahead of Sunday's Game. The Thunder also ruled out guard Ajay Mitchell with a right calf strain for that contest, further testing their depth against a Spurs team still searching for answers after blowing the early advantage.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves trailing the Boston Celtics 2-0 following a double-digit Game 2 defeat, though the team expressed confidence after their performance in the second half. The Cavs have erased a 2-0 series deficit before in these playoffs, providing optimism they can climb back against a Celtics squad that has dominated the first two games in Boston. As the conference finals progress, potential Finals matchups are already being dissected, with Thunder-Cavaliers emerging as a compelling possibility if both top seeds advance.

Meanwhile, LeBron James offered blunt assessment of his Los Angeles Lakers' elimination against Oklahoma City, acknowledging the Thunder simply had more talent. The 40-year-old star conceded the Lakers were "out-talented" in the playoff series, a candid admission as Los Angeles faces an uncertain offseason with questions surrounding the roster's future direction.

Award Recognition

The NBA announced its All-Defensive First Team selections Wednesday, with San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama becoming the only unanimous choice among the five-player roster. The 7-foot-4 phenomenon was joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausin Thompson, Rudy Gobert and Derrick White, forming a unit that spans multiple positions and defensive specializations across the league.

The league also unveiled its All-Rookie selections, with Dallas' Cooper Flagg, Charlotte's Kon Knueppel and Philadelphia's VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team honors. The three standouts represented a class that showed significant promise throughout the season, with Flagg particularly drawing attention for his two-way potential as the Mavericks push toward contention.

On the social impact front, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo was honored with the NBA's Social Justice Champion award, recognizing his work beyond the court. The recognition adds to Adebayo's legacy as one of the league's more active players in community engagement and advocacy.

Draft Preview

With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, Jeremy Woo released his mock draft projecting all 60 picks following the recent combine. The annual exercise offers teams and fans an early look at the incoming class, though significant movement is expected between now and draft night as workouts, medical evaluations and team needs reshape the landscape.