NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 19, 2026, 8:51 AM ET

Western Conference Finals Kickoff

The NBA formally unveiled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the 2024-25 MVP on Sunday night, one day before the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs, but the celebrated evening quickly gave way to an underwhelming performance by the two-time consecutive winner. SGA acknowledged in postgame remarks that he "has to be better" after scoring well below his season average in the Thunder's thrilling Game 1 victory SGA concedes subpar MVP night performance. The Thunder ultimately overcame the Spurs in a tightly contested opener, with series takeaways already painting a picture of a matchup that could stretch deep into the playoffs Spurs lose Game 1 to Thunder in WCF opener. Adding to the intrigue, San Antonio guard De'Aaron Fox was ruled out for Game 1 with a right ankle sprain, while Oklahoma City star Jalen Williams declared himself fully healthy after missing the previous six games with a Grade 1 hamstring strain De'Aaron Fox ruled out with ankle injury. The Thunder also celebrated an off-court gesture as SGA presented teammates with Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats, and golf clubs in a pregame tradition that has become an annual fixture for the franchise SGA gifts teammates luxury items before Game 1. Meanwhile, NBA executives confirmed the MVP ceremony would precede the series opener, ensuring the league's top individual honor would share the spotlight with the West's marquee playoff matchup NBA announces MVP reveal before WCF Game 1.

Cavs-Pistons Series Goes to Game 7

The Cavaliers-Pistons second-round series delivered a dramatic finish as Detroit erased a double-digit deficit in the second half of Game 6 to force a deciding seventh game, with the Pistons' comeback securing their fourth elimination victory of the 2026 playoffs and flipping the betting markets. Cleveland entered Game 7 as slight underdogs at 60-1 odds on the futures board after surrendering the lead, and the series ended with a 125-94 Cavaliers win in Game 7 that sent Cleveland to the Eastern Conference finals Pistons erase deficit to force Game 7. James Harden added a historic footnote by passing 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 Game 6 Harden surpasses Curry in playoff scoring. The Cavaliers advanced but faced immediate scrutiny as the loss marked their third straight second-round elimination, prompting rivals to question whether LeBron James and Donovan Mitchell can sustain a championship run without roster upgrades Cavs' playoff exit raises roster concerns. Cleveland's postgame celebration included repeated jabs at Detroit, with players publicly trolling the Pistons on social media moments after the buzzer sounded Cavs troll Pistons after buzzer. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, despite the blowout loss, maintained that the season was not a disappointment, a sentiment echoed by the organization's front office as they begin planning their offseason approach Bickerstaff calls Pistons season a success.

Coaching Carousel & Front Office Moves

The Pelicans completed a significant front-office overhaul by hiring Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, who departed Orlando after five seasons with a 189-221 record but three playoff appearances that suggested he could build sustained success in New Orleans Pelicans hire Mosley as head coach. The coaching shakeup is part of a broader offseason realignment as Orlando and Chicago search for long-term fits while Milwaukee and New Orleans finalize their leadership choices Coaching carousel accelerates league-wide. ESPN's NBA insiders have flagged five teams with league-altering decisions looming this summer, ranging from draft picks to free agency commitments that could reshape the competitive balance heading into the 2025-26 season Five pivotal offseason decisions identified. For the four remaining playoff teams, the offseason begins immediately as general managers pivot to draft preparation, free agency negotiations, and trade discussions NBA offseason planning begins for eliminated teams. The second day of the NBA draft combine in Chicago produced its own set of storylines, with ESPN's draft crew identifying the biggest questions and risers from the 5-on-5 scrimmages Draft combine day two reveals top prospects.

Offseason Headlines & Returnees

Steve Kerr confirmed his return to the Golden State Warriors for a 13th season as head coach but opened his first media availability by criticizing his own performance during the 2024-25 campaign, suggesting the coaching staff is determined to address shortcomings in the coming year Kerr critical of own coaching in return. On the international front, Australian legend Joe Ingles announced his "incredibly special" decision to return to the NBL with a two-year deal to join Melbourne United, ending speculation about a potential overseas stint Ingles commits to NBL return with Melbourne. The Knicks received encouraging news on the injury front as OG Anunoby returned to practice, reporting that his right hamstring injury is less severe than the one that sidelined him during the 2024 playoffs Anunoby says hamstring injury improving. Anthony Edwards paid respect to San Antonio after Minnesota's playoff elimination, walking to the Spurs bench to acknowledge they were "the better team," a gesture that drew attention in a postseason where the Timberwolves fell short for the third consecutive year Edwards concedes to Spurs after loss. Cooper Flagg and girlfriend Arianna Roberts shared vacation photos from Turks and Caicos, confirming relationship rumors that have swirled since the draft prospect's arrival in the league Flagg confirms relationship with Roberts. In a striking off-court story, an eBay bidder paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch with Stephen Curry and Warren Buffett, a transaction that became the most expensive charity auction of the year eBay user wins $9M lunch with Curry. Former NBA champion Rick Fox entered a new arena altogether by being appointed senator for the main opposition party in the Bahamas following his general election loss Rick Fox appointed opposition senator.