NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 15, 2026, 5:47 AM ET

Playoff Roundups

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers to improve to 8-0 this postseason, surviving a late charge from the defending conference champions who refused to fold despite facing elimination. The victory further fuels the narrative that OKC has become the NBA's newest villains, with the Lakers joining a growing list of teams crying foul over how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are officiated. Meanwhile in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from a nine-point deficit late in regulation to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime, taking a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Pistons played without starting guard Duncan Robinson, who was ruled out with lower back soreness for Game.

The NBA defended its increased foul calling during the playoffs, with referees calling approximately 11% more personal fouls per game than during the regular season — one of the largest differentials in league history. The league confirmed Thursday that officials were correct in not calling a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of regulation of Game 5 between the Cavaliers and Pistons, while Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff called the free throw disparity in his team's Game 4 loss "unacceptable." In the Western Conference semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs listed De'Aaron Fox as questionable for Game 5 due to right ankle soreness, while Victor Wembanyama will not face discipline for elbowing Minnesota's Naz Reid and will play in Game 5 against the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards struck a defiant tone with his team facing elimination after a Game 5 loss to the Spurs, saying nobody on the squad is "too worried."

Front Office Moves

The Golden State Warriors are losing both of their top assistants, as league sources told ESPN that Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse will not return to the franchise. In Philadelphia, Daryl Morey is out as president of basketball operations after six seasons with the 76ers, though head coach Nick Nurse will remain in his position. Bob Myers, who is overseeing the 76ers' general manager search, said the franchise is looking for "good people that are in harmony" to help them win a championship.

Injury Updates

There is growing optimism that Knicks forward OG Anunoby will return from his hamstring injury by the start of the Eastern Conference Finals, sources told ESPN. Bulls guard Josh Giddey, limited this season due to hamstring and ankle injuries, underwent ankle surgery and is expected to return in time for training camp after a three-month recovery timeline.

League Business

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Stephen A. Smith's radio show that the league has landed on a proposal to present to governors later this month to revamp the draft lottery with a "3-2-1" format. The NBA concluded its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks over the shutdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo and determined no further action is warranted. Lakers president Rob Pelinka made it clear the team would welcome LeBron James back for his 24th NBA season if he chooses not to retire.

Draft and Combine

The 2026 NBA draft combine continued in Chicago with 5-on-5 scrimmages showcasing prospects ahead of the lottery. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Memphis Grizzlies hold the top picks in Jeremy Woo's updated mock draft, while Stanford's Ebuka Okorie, North Carolina's Henri Veesaar, and Duke's Isaiah Evans each announced they plan to stay in the NBA draft after going through the combine process.

Tragedy and Tributes

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player who has served as a global ambassador for the sport for the past decade, died of brain cancer at age, his family said Tuesday. Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke also died at age, marking a devastating loss for the franchise and NBA community.

International Scene

In a compelling subplot to the Spurs-Timberwolves series, French big men Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama — friends for a decade — now face off against each other in a tied 2-2 series, with their relationship dating back to their time playing together in France before Wembanyama's rise to NBA stardom.