NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 11:51 PM ET

Playoff Standings and Matchups

The Western Conference finals saw the Thunder overcome an early 15-0 deficit with their bench contributing 76 points in a 123-108 victory over the Spurs, putting Oklahoma City in position to advance despite the Spurs opening as favorites ending a 33-game streak where they hadn't been playoff underdogs. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers faced an uphill battle in the Eastern Conference finals after falling into a 2-0 series hole, taking encouragement from how they played in Game 2 while noting they have erased this exact deficit before in their recent playoff history. The potential NBA Finals matchups have been analyzed with possibilities including Spurs-Knicks and Thunder-Cavaliers as the top teams in both conferences battle for championship positioning.

Player Accolades and Honors

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic earned unanimous first-team All-NBA honors, while Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed joining them by just one vote, a fact that underscored his remarkable rookie season which culminated in him being named the unanimous NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. The NBA unveiled its All-Rookie selections with the Mavs' Cooper Flagg, Hornets' Kon Knueppel and Sixers' VJ Edgecombe earning unanimous first-team honors, raising questions about the future dominance of the league's next generation of defensive specialists who could potentially reshape NBA dynamics for years to come. Bam Adebayo received the NBA's Social Justice Champion award in recognition of his community impact and advocacy work throughout the season.

Injury Concerns and Roster Updates

Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell was ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals with a right calf strain, compounding Oklahoma City's injury concerns as wing Jalen Williams remains day-to-day with a left hamstring injury. The Spurs faced additional adversity when Dylan Harper suffered a right hamstring injury during their Game 2 loss to the Thunder, adding to their roster challenges as they try to overcome the Thunder despite possessing one of the league's most valuable draft asset portfolios spanning the next eight drafts. LeBron James commented on the Lakers' playoff exit, stating his team was "out-talented" by the Thunder, while Warriors star Jimmy Butler showcased his recovery from injury with an energetic performance that suggests his ACL rehabilitation is progressing well ahead of schedule.

Draft and Player Movement

Malachi Moreno returned to Kentucky after withdrawing from the NBA draft despite being projected as a second-round pick, while the 2026 NBA draft landscape continued to take shape with Jeremy Woo's updated mock draft predicting all 60 picks and highlighting international prospects gaining significant attention. The Cavaliers relied on a key figure throughout their roller-coaster season, particularly in times of trouble, even as the franchise navigates the end of its core era that began during LeBron James' tenure marked by cultural roots in the superstar's legacy. The Thunder's surprising success has been attributed to their strategic approach to draft assets and player development, contrasting with conventional expectations for their young roster.

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