NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 2:56 AM ET

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

The Pistons secured a crucial Game 7 victory by defeating the Cavaliers in their fourth elimination game of the 2026 NBA playoffs, with the team mounting a huge second-half performance to extend their season. Despite the NBA's confirmation that officials were correct in not calling a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of regulation in Game, the Pistons have positioned themselves as slight favorites heading into Sunday's decisive contest. The Pistons' victory came after the Cavaliers had rallied for an overtime win in Game, overcoming a nine-point deficit late in regulation to take a 3-2 series lead before their collapse in Game. With the series now tied at 3-3, both teams face elimination in what has become one of the most unpredictable series of the postseason.

Western Conference Finals Preview

The Thunder's Jalen Williams declared himself healthy for the Western Conference finals after missing the past six games due to a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring, providing a major boost to Oklahoma City's championship aspirations. The NBA will announce this season's MVP winner on Sunday night, just one day before two of the finalists, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. The Spurs have been dominating in Western Conference play as they prepare to face the Thunder, with the team's success attributed to the familiar legends teaching young players the "Spurs Way" from Pop to Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and David Robinson. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards tipped his hat to the Spurs after the Timberwolves fell short in the playoffs for the third straight season, acknowledging that they were "the better team" after Game 6 was out of reach.

Player Milestones and Performances

James Harden passed Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time postseason scoring list with a step-back 3-pointer in the first quarter of Cleveland's Game 6 Eastern Conference semifinal, adding another impressive achievement to his playoff resume. In New York, Knicks forward OG Anunoby practiced again Saturday with the team, confirming that his right hamstring injury is not as bad as the one he suffered in the 2024 playoffs, potentially boosting the team's depth as they prepare for their next series. Elsewhere in the league, Bucks center Myles Turner revealed on his podcast that former coach Doc Rivers "didn't fine anybody ever" while coaching the team, and added that Giannis Antetokounmpo would "show up whenever he wants," offering insight into the team's internal culture during Rivers' tenure.

Coaching and Front Office News

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged he needs improvement in his first media availability since deciding to return to Golden State for a 13th season, being critical of the job he did in his 12th season as the head coach. Kerr's return comes as the Warriors are undergoing significant staff changes, with league sources confirming that top assistants Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse are departing the franchise. Meanwhile, Bob Myers, who is overseeing the 76ers' GM search, stated that the franchise is looking for "good people that are in harmony" to help them win a championship, indicating that team chemistry will be a priority in their front office decision-making process. The NBA has also confirmed an 11% rise in foul calls during the playoffs compared to the regular season, one of the largest differentials in NBA history, with the league defending this increase as part of their commitment to enforcing the rules consistently.

Offseason Planning and Draft

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed a new lottery proposal on Stephen A. Smith's radio show, revealing that the league has landed on what's being called the "3-2-1 lottery" format to present to the board of governors later this month, representing a significant revamp of the draft system. ESPN's NBA draft crew highlighted key takeaways from the second day of 5-on-5 scrimmages at the Chicago combine, providing insights into the prospects who impressed evaluators as the draft approaches. League insiders are tracking various offseason scenarios, including the latest on LeBron James' future in Los Angeles, as teams begin to formulate their strategies for free agency and the draft. The elimination of several teams has led to comprehensive offseason guides being developed for the Magic, Celtics, Nuggets, Warriors and every eliminated franchise, outlining potential draft targets, free agency priorities, and trade scenarios as the league approaches a critical summer period.

Personal and Business

A private lunch with a Warriors star and legendary investor fetched $9,000,100 on eBay, with the winning bidder paying what appears to be the highest price ever for a meal with a professional athlete. The astronomical price tag reflects the player's dual identity as an NBA talent and a savvy investor, with the auction drawing global attention to the intersection of sports and finance. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg and Arianna Robinson shared memories of their vacation to Turks and Caicos together, publicly confirming relationship rumors that had been swirling around the young basketball star and his companion, offering fans a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of the league's most promising talents.