NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 8:50 PM ET

CONFERENCE FINALS ACTION

New York's historic 22-point comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals stunned Cleveland, with Jalen Brunson targeting James Harden relentlessly to spark a rally that gave the Knicks a 1-0 series lead. The Cavaliers blew a commanding fourth-quarter advantage despite leading by 22 points, as Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson defended his timeout management even as the collapse unfolded. Meanwhile, in the West, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back with 30 points to lead Oklahoma City to a Game 2 victory over San Antonio, forcing 21 turnovers to even the series after the Spurs had stolen Game 1 in double overtime.

INJURY UPDATES IMPACT SERIES

Thunder wing Jalen Williams exited Game 2 with a tight hamstring and is now listed as day-to-day after receiving treatment during the first half, creating uncertainty for Oklahoma City's rotation as they head to San Antonio. The Spurs lost guard Dylan Harper to a right hamstring injury in the same game, compounding their injury woes after De'Aaron Fox missed Game 1 with an ankle sprain. Both teams are dealing with significant absences as the Western Conference finals shifts venues, with Oklahoma City's depth being tested against a Spurs squad already missing Fox for the series opener.

COACHING CAROUSEL MOVEMENT

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd parted ways with the organization after five seasons, with team president Masai Ujiri taking responsibility for the "very tough decision" described as mutual by the franchise. The Mavericks are now seeking their next head coach as they look to build around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving following their first-round exit. New Orleans hired Jamahl Mosley as head coach, bringing in the former Orlando Magic bench boss who compiled a 189-221 record over five seasons with three playoff appearances.

OFFSEASON PREPARATION & DRAFT

The Detroit Pistons hope to retain center Jalen Duren and forward Tobias Harris as general manager Trajan Langdon outlined the franchise's free agency priorities after missing the playoffs. Dallas Mavericks president Ujiri faced questions about the Kidd firing as the organization begins its search for a new coach, while the Minnesota Timberwolves plan aggressive offseason moves to join the NBA's elite after another early playoff exit under team president Tim Connelly. The Portland Trail Blazers laid off significant business-side staff as part of reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon, signaling cost-cutting measures across the organization.

RISING STARS & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cleveland's conference finals appearance marks their first since the LeBron James era ended, with the franchise's core facing a critical juncture despite their deep playoff run. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe earned unanimous first-team All-Rookie honors, highlighting the incoming class of young talent. San Antonio will play the Pelicans in Paris during the 2027 season, continuing the NBA's international expansion with games in Paris and Manchester, England scheduled for January. Australian veteran Joe Ingles confirmed his return to Melbourne United on a two-year deal, bringing his experience back to the NBL after his NBA career.

VIEWERSHIP & LEGACY STORIES

San Antonio's double-overtime victory over Oklahoma City peaked at 12 million viewers, making it the most-watched Western Conference finals Game 1 in league history while averaging 9.2 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. LeBron James will appear at Fanatics Fest NYC for a live recording of his "Mind the Game" podcast with Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, providing additional content as James weighs his future with the Los Angeles Lakers after calling their playoff exit a matter of being "out-talented" by the Thunder. Rick Fox was appointed as opposition senator in the Bahamas after losing a general election, continuing his post-basketball career in politics.