NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:51 AM ET

Western Conference Finals Update The Thunder’s bench delivered a 76‑point surge that erased a 15‑0 early deficit and propelled Oklahoma City to a 123‑108 win in Game, forcing the series back to a 2‑2 tie. The comeback came despite Ajay Mitchell’s calf strain, which sidelines him for Game 4 and trims the Thunder’s backcourt depth. Across the West, the Spurs secured a unanimous defensive first‑team nod for Victor Wembanyama, highlighting his impact on both ends as the franchise eyes a deep playoff run.

Cleveland’s Resilience After falling into a 0‑2 hole, the Cavaliers emphasized that their recent double‑digit loss has not shaken confidence, pointing to previous series turnarounds as proof they can rebound. The team’s narrative centers on a single veteran presence who has repeatedly steadied the squad in critical moments, underscoring the franchise’s reliance on veteran leadership to navigate postseason pressure.

NBA Honors and Health Bam Adebayo received the league’s Social Justice Champion award, recognizing his off‑court advocacy and community initiatives throughout the season. Meanwhile, Golden State’s Jimmy Butler showcased a healed ACL with a high‑energy stage performance, signaling a potential return to form as the Warriors chase another title run.

Draft Outlook and Finals Scenarios Jeremy Woo released an updated mock draft projecting all 60 selections following a dynamic combine week, offering teams a fresh blueprint for roster construction ahead of the offseason. Analysts also ranked every possible Finals matchup, weighing the odds of a Spurs‑Knicks showdown against a Thunder‑Cavaliers clash as the East and West converge on the championship horizon.