NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 11:50 PM ET

Playoff Results & Finals Bound

The New York Knicks closed out the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sweep to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, with city streets erupting as long-suffering fans poured into Manhattan to celebrate a record run that began with a roster overhaul and a coaching change. Knicks fans took to the streets, chanting "party like it's 1999", while NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani taunted the Cavaliers by saying he'd like to "report a sweep", a jab that landed hard after Cleveland was eliminated in five games. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued to pull away from the San Antonio Spurs in a critical Game 5 that could decide the series, with OKC now the favorite to advance and carry the second-shortest title odds entering the Finals.

Coach of the Year & Coaching Moves

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was named NBA Coach of the Year, beating out J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson in a vote that capped the league's end-of-season awards slate. Meanwhile, Cleveland will bring back Kenny Atkinson as head coach next season after the Cavaliers were swept by the Knicks, with sources telling ESPN's Shams Charania that Atkinson's return is all but confirmed. Across the league, the Pelicans' new head coach Jamahl Mosley signaled he wants to unlock Zion Williamson as a playmaker, suggesting a shift in how New Orleans deploys its franchise star. The Cavs' Donovan Mitchell reiterated his commitment to Cleveland and expressed confidence in his partnership with James Harden, telling reporters he believes the team can bounce back despite the sweep.

Defensive Dominance & Playoff Trends

Victor Wembanyama's dominance has become the defining storyline of these playoffs, with his Panini Prizm Black parallel card selling for $5.11 million in a private sale, the most expensive NBA card ever confirmed. On the court, on-court trends are shaping the conference finals, from Wemby's rim protection to the Cavaliers' scoring struggles, and ESPN analysts noted that what makes a Defensive Player of the Year so dangerous is that he prevents opponents from shooting. The Thunder have capitalized on that kind of defensive intensity, pulling away from San Antonio in a pivotal Game 5 that could end the Spurs' season.

Offseason & Draft Outlook

The summer promises major roster decisions across the league. ESPN's insiders pitched six trade proposals that could reshape the landscape, with landing spots for Ja Morant among the most discussed, while a separate stack ranked the most important NBA deals that could get done this summer. The Knicks' improbable run has sparked questions about which stars could get paid, and the outcome of those negotiations could reshape the Eastern Conference. In the draft, former Santa Clara forward Allen Graves will keep his name in the NBA draft as a projected first-rounder, and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson is staying in the draft after averaging 18.5 points and 7.4 assists. Aces coach Becky Hammon stood by her claim that Jalen Brunson could lead a team to a title, saying he will have to prove her wrong, a statement that has only fueled trade speculation around the Knicks guard.

Roster Building & Legacy

The four conference finalists offer four distinct roster-building lessons that could guide front offices this offseason, from the Knicks' aggressive spending to OKC's developmental model. With the Knicks headed to the Finals with the second-shortest title odds, the urgency for every eliminated team to rebuild is clear. For the Cavaliers, Mitchell's commitment and Harden's presence provide a foundation, but the sweep exposed the gaps the Knicks exploited. ESPN's offseason guides break down what lies ahead for the Magic, Celtics, Nuggets, and Warriors, with free agency, the draft, and trade targets all on the table as the league turns its attention to the summer.