NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 11, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Action & Coaching Stability

The Eastern Conference semifinals saw the New York Knicks complete a 3-0 sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, as Jalen Brunson delivered 33 points, including decisive late baskets, despite the return of Joel Embiid for Game 3 on Friday night. In separate series action, the Cleveland Cavaliers trimmed the Detroit Pistons' lead to 2-1 after James Harden sank three critical shots in the final two minutes while Donovan Mitchell posted 35 points in the 116-109 victory. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder moved ahead 3-0 in their Western Conference matchup, relying on the playmaking of second-year guard Ajay Mitchell to compensate for the absence of Jalen Williams, putting them among the favorites to advance alongside the Knicks and Cavaliers, who both saw their title odds flip against the Houston Rockets.

In coaching news, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr formally agreed to a two-year extension, according to reports from Priority Sports representatives Dan Eveloff and Rick Smith, ensuring continuity for the franchise as they navigate offseason decisions regarding their veteran core. Elsewhere, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch strongly condemned official Tony Brothers, describing the referee's repeated confrontations with him during the fourth quarter of Game 3 as "completely unprofessional behavior".

Draft Lottery & Personnel Moves

As the league approaches Sunday's crucial draft lottery, the importance of securing a top pick is evident, given that nearly one-third of the league is perceived to have engaged in tactical losing specifically to improve their odds. Analysts are already mapping out the most probable selections for every lottery-bound team, anticipating which prospects will best fit their needs. Adding to front-office movement, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly bringing in former Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz to lead basketball operations under President Masai Ujiri, signaling a significant restructuring of the team's personnel department.

Player Health & Prospect Insight

Ahead of the NBA draft combine commencing Monday, where dozens of prospects will compete to raise their stock, prospective lottery talent Darryn Peterson disclosed a specific health finding related to supplementation. Peterson’s physicians concluded after end-of-season testing that his issues with mysterious and sometimes debilitating cramping were directly attributable to his use of high doses of creatine.