NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 2, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

NBA Finals Preview

The NBA Finals are set to feature a dream matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, with league executives and scouts identifying key factors that could determine the series outcome. The Knicks have attracted nearly half of all money wagered on the NBA Finals winner at Draft Kings Sportsbook in New York, drawing almost as much betting action as every other team combined. To hype the series, the NBA has reintroduced retro elements with the Larry O'Brien Trophy image painted at midcourt and the script logo for "The Finals" on either side of the court, a design reminiscent of the early 2000s Finals that featured similar court aesthetics.

Western Conference Finals

The Spurs eliminated the defending champion Thunder in dramatic Game 7 fashion, securing a 111-103 victory that advanced them to the NBA Finals. The win was fueled by center Victor Wembanyama's impressive performance of 22 points and seven rebounds, bringing him closer to achieving his "'childhood dream'" of reaching the championship series. The Thunder's exit marks a significant moment for the franchise, which now faces major financial decisions as extensions kick in and a tax bill is set to soar, creating challenges for their budding dynasty Coaching Changes

The Orlando Magic have hired San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, completing a significant coaching move during the offseason. Sweeney, 41, brings a fresh perspective to the Magic as they look to rebuild, while the Spurs must now adjust to the loss of an assistant who played a key role in their system during their championship run.

Player News

Stephen Curry has signed a 10-year endorsement contract with Chinese company Li-Ning, ending his sneaker free agency following his departure from Under Armour. The lucrative deal represents a significant shift in Curry's career off the court, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has committed to playing for Team Canada over the next three summers, with Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins notably left off the roster as Canada builds its international basketball program.

Financial Developments

Oklahoma City Thunder executives face critical financial decisions as their team transitions from a promising squad to a contender with significant salary cap implications. Meanwhile, Joseph Sanberg, whose bankrupt green banking company is at the center of an NBA investigation into the Clippers, received a 14-year prison sentence in federal court, adding legal complications to the league's ongoing scrutiny of team ownership. In New York, the mayor signed an executive order repealing children's bedtimes during the Knicks' Finals run, reflecting the city's enthusiasm for the team's unexpected championship appearance.

Offseason Outlook

The Mavericks are exploring an arena site away from downtown Dallas, potentially moving the franchise after spending 21 years at Reunion Arena before transitioning to the American Airlines Center. For the Thunder and other eliminated teams, the offseason brings questions about roster construction and financial flexibility as they prepare for next season's competition. Meanwhile, the NBA draft landscape has shifted following the college withdrawal deadline, with a wave of returners reshaping ESPN's latest top 100 prospects for the 2026 draft class, as evaluators assess ceiling and floor comparisons for the top 12 prospects to determine their NBA potential.