NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 19, 2026, 11:43 PM ET

Coaching Carousel

The NBA coaching landscape shifted dramatically Tuesday as the Dallas Mavericks parted ways with Jason Kidd after five seasons, a move the team described as mutual. Kidd’s departure leaves a vacancy in a competitive Western Conference, and the coaching carousel is now spinning with several franchises searching for leadership. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans tapped Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, hiring the former Orlando Magic bench boss who went 189-221 over five seasons and guided his team to three playoff appearances. Mosley’s hire signals a commitment to defensive structure in New Orleans as the franchise looks to build around its young core.

Playoff Fallout and Injuries

The Detroit Pistons’ season ended with a 125-94 Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff insisted the campaign was “not a disappointment” despite the blowout defeat. The Cavs trolled the Pistons and Michigan fans immediately after the buzzer, rubbing salt in the wound of a series that had seen Detroit force a Game 7 with a massive second-half comeback in Game. The Pistons’ huge second half buried the Cavs to force the decisive game, making them slight favorites per NBA futures. However, Cleveland’s victory raises enormous questions about its superstars after a third straight second-round exit, with rival teams monitoring the fallout closely. In the Western Conference finals, the San Antonio Spurs have ruled out De’Aaron Fox (ankle) for Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a significant blow as the defending champions open the series. The Thunder’s Jalen Williams declared himself fully healthy after missing six games with a hamstring strain, bolstering OKC’s lineup for the matchup. Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards tipped his hat to the Spurs as “the better team” after falling short in the playoffs for the third straight season. The conference finals also feature the New York Knicks, where OG Anunoby practiced again Saturday and said his right hamstring injury is not as severe as the one he suffered in the 2024 playoffs, providing a boost ahead of the East finals.

MVP and Star Performances

The NBA will unveil this season’s MVP winner Sunday night, one day before two finalists—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama—meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. SGA, who received his second straight MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony Monday, admitted “I have to be better” after a subpar performance in a thrilling win over the Spurs, while also gifting his Thunder teammates Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats and golf clubs as a gesture of camaraderie. On the playoff scoring front, James Harden passed Stephen Curry for 10th place on the all-time postseason scoring list with a step-back three in Game 6 of Cleveland’s East semifinal series, a milestone that underscores his longevity even as the Cavs advanced.

Offseason Outlook and Draft Buzz

As the NBA combine wraps up, Jeremy Woo’s updated 2026 mock draft projects all 60 picks after an exciting week of scrimmages in Chicago, with teams evaluating prospects like Cooper Flagg. The draft combine highlighted biggest takeaways from the second day of 5-on-5 play, giving front offices a clearer picture of the talent pool. For teams already eliminated, ESPN’s offseason guides detail draft, free agency and trade targets for the Pistons, Timberwolves, Lakers and others, while five star decisions that could swing the league are being weighed by rival executives. In Detroit, general manager Trajan Langdon expressed hope of re-signing All-Star center Jalen Duren and veteran forward Tobias Harris, aiming to keep the core intact after a playoff run. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, saw Steve Kerr vow to be better after deciding to return for a 13th season, with the coach critical of his own performance in a disappointing 12th year.

Around the League

Off the court, retired three-time NBA champion Rick Fox was appointed an opposition senator in the Bahamas on Monday, transitioning from basketball to politics after losing a general election bid. In a lighthearted offseason story, an eBay user paid $9,000,100 for a private lunch with Stephen Curry and Warren Buffett, a surreal auction win that blends fandom with finance. Australian basketball legend Joe Ingles confirmed his return to the NBL, signing a two-year deal with Melbourne United and calling the move “incredibly special.” And in personal news, Duke star Cooper Flagg confirmed his relationship with Arianna Roberson, sharing vacation memories from Turks and Caicos that set social media abuzz. Even Ben Simmons made headlines—though not for basketball: the Brooklyn Nets guard was spotted deep-sea fishing, trading hardwood for blue marlins in a quirky offseason sideline.