NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 29, 2026, 2:53 AM ET

Western Conference Finals

The San Antonio Spurs delivered a commanding 112-86 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game, forcing a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night at the AT&T Center. Spurs guard Keldon Johnson paced all scorers with 24 points while Victor Wembanyama added 18 points and 12 rebounds, silencing critics who questioned whether the rookie phenom could maintain his playoff intensity. The Thunder's comeback attempt fell flat despite Jalen Williams returning from a three-game absence due to a left hamstring strain, as Oklahoma City shot just 38% from the field. Alex Caruso's defensive pressure proved instrumental in disrupting San Antonio's offensive rhythm early, but the Spurs adjusted by feeding Wembanyama more consistently in the post.

NBA Draft Lottery Reform

League owners approved sweeping anti-tanking measures that will reshape the draft lottery beginning in 2025, eliminating the weighted system that previously rewarded the worst teams. Under the new format, the bottom six teams will each have a 12.5% chance at the top pick, while the current proposal reduces lottery odds for teams that have previously won the lottery within the past four years. Arizona forward Koa Peat officially kept his name in the draft despite being a projected lottery selection, joining a crowded field of prospects who will now compete under this revamped system. The changes come amid criticism that tanking has become too prevalent, with only two top-five picks over the past 20 years ultimately leading their teams to championships.

Free Agency & Offseason Outlook

League executives remain split on Austin Reaves' market value as the Los Angeles Lakers continue contract extension discussions with the guard who averaged 16.2 points this postseason. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren is drawing interest from multiple suitors after his breakout performance with the Detroit Pistons, though his restricted free agent status complicates negotiations. Mitchell Robinson's situation took a concerning turn when X-ray results confirmed a broken right pinkie finger that will sideline the New York Knicks center indefinitely heading into the NBA Finals. These decisions will significantly reshape next season's salary cap landscape, particularly as teams weigh max-contract offers against rookie-scale extensions.

Front Office & Coaching Changes

Atlanta Hawks elevated Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations while signing him to a long-term extension, signaling organizational stability after years of turnover. The Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed Kenny Atkinson's return as head coach despite early playoff exit speculation, with sources indicating the front office remains committed to his developmental approach. Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla officially captured NBA Coach of the Year honors after guiding his team to the best record in the Eastern Conference, edging out finalists J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson in a close vote. These moves reflect broader organizational confidence in established leadership rather than seeking dramatic changes.

Injury Updates & Player Availability

Victor Wembanyama avoided league discipline after receiving only a warning for skipping postgame media obligations following the Spurs' Game 5 loss, though the incident highlighted ongoing tensions between rising stars and traditional media access protocols. Jalen Williams' activated status for Game 6 provided Oklahoma City with a significant boost, as the wing averaged 22.4 points during the regular season before his hamstring injury. However, Mitchell Robinson's broken finger creates a major void in New York's defensive scheme, with the Knicks potentially relying on small-ball lineups against Minnesota's physical frontcourt in the Finals.

Off-Court Developments

Former President Donald Trump plans to attend an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next month, adding political intrigue to what promises to be a high-profile series between the Knicks and Timberwolves. Stephen and Ayesha Curry announced expansion plans for their restaurant chain, bringing their culinary ventures to markets where Dell Curry played during his 16-year NBA career. Myra Gordon and Tyrese Maxey welcomed daughter Marvel on May 14, providing a personal milestone during what has been a difficult playoff run for the Philadelphia 76ers. These stories underscore the human element that often gets overshadowed by on-court drama.

Personnel Moves & Organizational Restructuring

The Los Angeles Lakers laid off more than a dozen employees as part of a comprehensive reorganization under new team president Richard Midanik, marking the latest shakeup in a franchise that has experienced significant turnover since the Jeanie Buss ownership transition. The cuts primarily affected the basketball operations department and come amid speculation about potential front office changes. Becky Hammon stood by her controversial comments regarding Jalen Brunson's championship ceiling, telling reporters that the New York Knicks point guard will "have to prove me wrong" when asked about her assertion that elite players of his caliber can lead title runs. This exchange reignited debates about positional bias in NBA discourse.