NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:45 PM ET

Western Conference Finals: Thunder's Resilience

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame an 0-15 deficit in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, erupting for a 123-108 victory with their bench contributing an astonishing 76 points during their comeback. Despite the win, the Thunder entered as underdogs for the first time in 33 playoff games, as the Spurs opened as favorites for the contest. The series took a physical turn as Spurs guard Dylan Harper suffered a right hamstring injury during Game, while Thunder wing Jalen Williams was ruled out for Game 3 with a left hamstring injury. The Thunder's resilience impressed even outsiders like LeBron James, who commented that his former Lakers team were "out-talented" by Oklahoma City in their playoff matchup.

Eastern Conference Finals: Cavaliers' Fightback

Despite facing a 2-0 series deficit, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain undaunted, taking comfort in their ability to overcome such deficits before in their roller-coaster season. The team has turned to one man in times of trouble, though the clock is ticking on Cleveland's core even as they return to the conference finals for the first time since the LeBron James era ended. The Cavs' resilience suggests they may still pose a significant challenge to whichever Eastern opponent advances to face them in the potential Finals matchups that fans and analysts anticipate could include intriguing possibilities like Spurs-Knicks or Thunder-Cavaliers.

Wembanyama: Defensive Dominance

Victor Wembanyama cemented his status as the NBA's premier defensive force, earning the only unanimous selection on the All-Defensive First Team. The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year's effectiveness stems not just from shot blocking but from his ability to prevent opponents from shooting in the first place. Wemby's development traces back to Shaolin monks in central China, who helped transform him into "the most unstoppable force in basketball." Alongside Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert and Derrick White, Wembanyama forms arguably the most formidable defensive unit in recent NBA history, with analysts suggesting he could be MVP material for the next decade.

Awards & Recognition

Bam Adebayo received the NBA's Social Justice Champion award, recognizing his off-court contributions and advocacy work. Meanwhile, the league honored its top rookies, with the Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, Hornets' Kon Knueppel and Sixers' VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team selections on the All-Rookie team. These awards highlight the league's commitment to recognizing both on-court excellence and players' impacts beyond basketball, providing a bright contrast to the intense competition on the court.

NBA Coaching Carousel & League News

The Mavericks and Jason Kidd have mutually parted ways, adding another prominent name to the NBA's coaching carousel. Orlando and Chicago continue searching for long-term fits, while New Orleans and Milwaukee have identified their next head coaches. In organizational news, the Portland Trail Blazers have laid off a significant number of business-side employees under new owner Tom Dundon as part of a reorganization effort. Meanwhile, the NBA's top teams including Oklahoma City and San Antonio control much of the next eight drafts, positioning both franchises for sustained success Player Updates & Future Outlook

Jimmy Butler showcased his recovery from an ACL injury by jumping around on stage, with teammates reportedly telling him "don't show this to Steve" (likely referencing coach Steve . Elsewhere, Ben Simmons has transitioned from basketball to sportfishing, trading his NBA career for blue marlins in an unexpected career pivot. Jeremy Woo's updated 2026 mock draft has begun taking shape after an exciting week at the NBA combine, with teams already strategizing for the upcoming draft that could reshape the league's landscape and determine future champions.

Playoff