NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:50 AM ET

Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Knicks extended their dominance over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 109-93 victory in Game, capturing a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Josh Hart delivered a career-high 26 points, shooting efficiently from the field as New York moved halfway to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. The Knicks' defensive strategy focused relentlessly on James Harden, creating turnovers and disrupting Cleveland's offensive flow after their historic Game 1 comeback. Despite the double-digit loss, Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson defended his timeout management late in Game, even as his team failed to hold a 22-point lead. The Cavaliers maintained optimism about their chances, drawing confidence from their successful elimination of a 2-0 deficit earlier in these playoffs and the belief that their core can still compete against New York's deep roster.

Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from Game 1 with a strong performance in Game, evening their Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs at 1-1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points while orchestrating a defensive effort that forced 21 turnovers, showcasing the Thunder's championship pedigree they displayed during last season's title run. However, Oklahoma City saw concerns mount as star wing Jalen Williams exited Game 2 with a tight left hamstring, with the team announcing he would be evaluated day-to-day. The Spurs suffered another setback when Dylan Harper suffered a right hamstring injury during Game, adding to their already depleted roster that began the series without Victor Wembanyama. The series garnered significant attention, with Game 1 drawing 12 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched Western Conference Game 1 final in league history.

Coaching Changes

The Dallas Mavericks mutually parted ways with Jason Kidd after five seasons, with president Masai Ujiri taking full responsibility for the "very tough decision" to make the coaching change. Kidd's dismissal comes amid the Mavericks' ongoing search for stability in the post-Dirk Nowitzki era. In other coaching moves, the New Orleans Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, bringing in the former Orlando Magic leader who went 189-221 and earned three playoff berths in five seasons. The Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls continue searching for long-term coaching fits, while the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans have reportedly found their next leaders as the NBA coaching carousel continues to turn.

Offseason Planning

The Portland Trail Blazers implemented significant layoffs under new owner Tom Dundon, reducing their business-side staff as part of a broader reorganization aimed at financial efficiency. The Minnesota Timberwolves plan an aggressive offseason after another disappointing playoff exit, with team president of basketball operations Tim Connelly acknowledging that the current roster is "not good enough" to compete with the NBA's elite. The Detroit Pistons hope to retain key players, with general manager Trajan Langden expressing interest in re-signing All-Star center Jalen Duren and veteran forward Tobias Harris to build around their young core. Across the league, eliminated teams are evaluating draft assets, with the Thunder and Spurs controlling significant draft capital that could shape franchises for years to come.

Awards & International News

The NBA unveiled its All-Rookie selections, with Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel, and Philadelphia 76ers' VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team honors. In international basketball news, the Spurs will face the Pelicans in Paris and Manchester, England, on January 14 and 17 next season, continuing the NBA's global expansion efforts. Australian basketball legend Joe Ingles confirmed his return to the National Basketball League with Melbourne United on a two-year deal, calling the move "incredibly special." After receiving his second straight MVP trophy in a pregame ceremony, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged he needed improvement, admitting he didn't perform up to his lofty standards in the Western Conference finals opener despite his individual accolades.

Future Outlook

With the conference finals underway, analysts are projecting potential Finals matchups, considering scenarios featuring Spurs-Knicks or Thunder-Cavaliers as the top teams from the East and West battle for NBA Finals positioning. The NBA's two best teams, the Thunder and Spurs, control significant draft assets that could shape franchises for years, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio holding picks in multiple future drafts. Teams across the league are evaluating offseason strategies, including draft prospects, free agency targets, and potential trades as the 2026 NBA combine concluded with various mock drafts projecting the top selections. Lakers superstar LeBron James will appear at Fanatics Fest NYC to record a live version of his "Mind the Game" podcast with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, while also reflecting on his team's playoff exit to the Thunder, admitting they were "out-talented" in the postseason.