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NBA Basketball 3 Days

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Last updated: May 18, 2026, 2:50 AM ET

Eastern Conference Finals Preview & Cavs-Pistons Series

The Cleveland Cavaliers rout the Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals, marking the franchise's first appearance since LeBron James' final year in Cleveland. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff maintained perspective on the season despite the lopsided defeat, stating that the season was "not a disappointment". Immediately after the final buzzer, Cleveland players began trolling their rivals with chants of "It's always beat Michigan," highlighting the intense rivalry between the Ohio and Michigan franchises.

The series was a dramatic rollercoaster that saw the Pistons force a Game 7 with a strong second-half performance in Game, defying odds that had them at 60-1 to win the series. Cleveland's path to victory was secured by a dramatic overtime win in Game, where the team rallied from a nine-point deficit late in regulation to take a 3-2 series lead. The NBA has since confirmed that officials made the correct call in not calling a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of Game, validating the decision that kept the Cavaliers' hopes alive. This series victory carries significant weight for Cleveland, as a third consecutive second-round loss would have invited substantial questions about their superstar duo and drawn attention from rival teams.

Western Conference & Thunder Developments

The Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for the Western Conference finals with a full roster, as star wing Jalen Williams declared himself healthy after missing the past six games due to a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring. The Thunder received excellent news on the MVP front as well, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning his second consecutive MVP award, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVPs. The league will officially announce the MVP winner on Sunday night, one day before two of the finalists, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, meet in Game 1 of