NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Showdowns & Series Updates

The Eastern Conference semifinals saw the New York Knicks push the Philadelphia 76ers to the brink of elimination, as Jalen Brunson delivered 33 points, including vital late baskets, to secure a 3-0 series lead. Despite the return of MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid on Friday night, who was clearly hampered, the 76ers could not stop the mounting deficit, falling one game shy of elimination against the determined New York squad. Elsewhere in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to secure a critical victory over the Detroit Pistons, cutting their deficit to 2-1 after James Harden sank three clutch shots in the final two minutes, supported by Donovan Mitchell’s 35-point effort in the 116-109 contest. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder improved their record to 7-0 overall after decisively defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game, exploiting the absence of Jalen Williams and forcing the Lakers defense to focus heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which allowed second-year guard Ajay Mitchell to emerge as a key offensive threat.

Coaching Stability & Front Office Moves

In major organizational news, Steve Kerr formally agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, signaling the organization’s intent to retain its championship pedigree despite recent playoff disappointments. This decision resolves immediate coaching uncertainty and will shape the Warriors' upcoming offseason maneuvers, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. On the management side, the Dallas Mavericks are finalizing the hiring of former Portland Trail Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz to oversee basketball operations, placing him directly under the stewardship of team President Masai Ujiri.

League Administration & Draft Outlook

The league is gearing up for a pivotal NBA Draft Lottery this Sunday, which carries substantial weight given that nearly a third of the league is perceived to have engaged in strategic losing to secure a top selection. As teams await the lottery results to finalize their draft boards, analysts have already begun projecting the most probable selections for every non-playoff team based on current draft odds and positional needs. In related player news, aspiring NBA hopeful Darryn Peterson revealed that medical tests concluded his debilitating, mysterious cramping issues during the season were linked directly to high-dose creatine supplementation. Meanwhile, on the court, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch publicly criticized official Tony Brothers after the Game 3 contest, labeling the referee’s dual confrontations with him during a fourth-quarter stoppage as "completely unprofessional behavior". Oddsmakers have responded to the Thunder's dominant start by firming their title odds to -160, while the Lakers, despite their own playoff run, saw their championship futures lengthen to 35-1 against teams like the Pistons, who sit at 15-1. The NBA draft combine commences Monday, offering dozens of prospects an immediate chance to elevate their draft stock through rigorous testing and competition.