NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 15-0 deficit in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, rallying for a 123-108 victory against the San Antonio Spurs with their bench contributing an impressive 76 points. The Thunder became playoff underdogs for the first time in 33 games, with the Spurs opening as favorites for the matchup. However, Oklahoma City is facing injury concerns as guard Ajay Mitchell was ruled out for Game 4 with a right calf strain, and star wing Jalen Williams remains day-to-day with a left hamstring injury. The Spurs' woes mounted further when guard Dylan Harper suffered a right hamstring injury during Game, adding to their injury woes.

Eastern Conference Finals

Despite trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers found encouragement in their performance in Game 2 and remain confident they can overcome the deficit, having erased this same deficit before in their playoff run. The Cavaliers have turned to one man in times of trouble throughout their roller-coaster season, though the clock is ticking on Cleveland's core as the franchise is back in the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era ended. With both conference finals series potentially setting up NBA Finals matchups, analysts have ranked all four possible Finals scenarios, with potential pairings including Spurs-Knicks and Thunder-Cavaliers.

Individual Honors & Awards

Victor Wembanyama earned unanimous selection to the NBA's All-Defensive First Team, cementing his status as the league's premier defensive player. The Spurs star's defensive prowess isn't just about blocked shots but about preventing opponents from shooting in the first place, which has analysts predicting he could be MVP for the next decade. On the rookie front, the NBA unveiled its All-Rookie selections with the Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, the Hornets' Kon Knueppel and the Sixers' VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team honors. Additionally, Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo received the NBA's Social Justice Champion award for his community leadership and activism.

Wemby's Development & The 2026 Draft

The transformation of Victor Wembanyama into basketball's most unstoppable force included training at a Shaolin monastery in central China, where monks helped develop his unique skills and basketball IQ. This development has positioned Wembanyama as a cornerstone player as teams look ahead to the 2026 NBA draft, where Jeremy Woo has predicted all 60 picks following an exciting week at the NBA combine. The Thunder and Spurs, currently battling in the Western Conference finals, control much of the next eight drafts through their collection of draft assets, positioning both franchises for sustained success beyond the current season.

League News & Player Updates

Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler showcased his rehabilitation progress by jumping on stage, suggesting his ACL injury is healing well as he continues his recovery. Meanwhile, LeBron James reflected on the Lakers' playoff exit, stating his team was "out-talented" by the Thunder in their postseason series. On the coaching front, the Dallas Mavericks and Jason Kidd have parted ways, while the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls continue searching for long-term coaching fits, and the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks have found their next coaches. The Portland Trail Blazers laid off numerous business-side employees as part of a reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon, and Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly seeks aggressive fixes after another disappointing season, planning an offseason overhaul to compete with the NBA's elite.

NBA Buzz & Future Outlook

The latest NBA buzz includes uncertainty about LeBron James' future in Los Angeles as the superstar mulls his next move following the Lakers' elimination. From breaking news to the latest intel, highlights from Brian Windhorst's podcast have revealed league-wide discussions about roster construction and coaching strategies. As the 2026 NBA draft approaches, teams are closely monitoring international prospects like Wembanyama, whose unique development path has revolutionized how franchises approach player development. The Thunder's unexpected success this season has shifted the franchise's trajectory, with Oklahoma City now positioned as a perennial contender after years of rebuilding through the draft.