NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 8:52 AM ET

Conference Finals Drama

The Eastern Conference finals erupted for 45 points as Jalen Brunson propelled the Knicks to a historic comeback, overturning a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to steal home-court advantage from the Cavaliers. New York’s relentless attack on James Harden forced critical turnovers, a strategic shift that extended their rally and left Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson defending his decision to hold all timeouts during the collapse. Across the bracket, the Thunder entered the West finals with confidence despite MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitting he underperformed in his trophy ceremony, while teammate Jalen Williams declared himself healthy after missing six games with a hamstring strain. The Spurs, meanwhile, ruled De'Aaron Fox out for Game, a significant blow to their already daunting task against Oklahoma City’s high-powered offense.

Coaching Carousel & Front Office Moves

The Mavericks and Pelicans both announced coaching changes, with Jason Kidd departing in a mutual agreement after five seasons and Jamahl Mosley hired to lead New Orleans. Kidd’s exit follows a playoff run where Dallas was eliminated in the first round, while Mosley brings five years of experience from Orlando, where he earned three playoff berths. In Detroit, GM Trajan Langdon expressed desire to retain All-Star center Jalen Duren and veteran Tobias Harris, signaling a commitment to building around the young core that pushed Cleveland to a Game 7 despite a lopsided final loss. The Cavaliers’ third straight second-round exit, however, is inviting enormous questions about their superstar duo, with rival teams closely monitoring the fallout.

Draft & Offseason Landscape

San Antonio and Oklahoma City continue to control much of the next eight drafts, a asset advantage that underscores their long-term positioning as perennial contenders. The Pistons, Wolves, Lakers, and other eliminated teams now turn to an offseason where five star decisions could swing the league, from potential LeBron James destinations to the Pistons’ efforts to re-sign Duren. At the draft combine, analysts updated their mock projections following intense 5-on-5 scrimmages, with Cooper Flagg’s stock remaining a focal point even as his relationship with Arianna Roberston garnered off-court attention. The draft’s depth is expected to influence multiple trade scenarios as teams look to accelerate rebuilds.

Culture & Off-Court Notes

Ben Simmons has shifted focus to sportfishing during his Nets hiatus, a hobby that has become a prominent part of his public persona. In the Bahamas, retired Celtic Rick Fox was appointed opposition senator, leveraging his fame into a political role after an electoral defeat. Back in the U.S., a private lunch with Steph Curry sold for a record $9 million at auction, benefiting the Warriors’ foundation. Meanwhile, Thunder players received luxury gifts from SGA after his MVP season, a gesture reflecting the team’s tight chemistry as they pursue a title.