NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 2:51 AM ET

Western Conference Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder struggled offensively in Game, committing their worst offensive performance in years during a 92-85 loss to the Spurs that evened the Western Conference finals at 2-2. The Thunder ruled out Ajay Mitchell with a right calf strain for the contest, while star wing Jalen Williams remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury that kept him out of Game. Despite these setbacks, Oklahoma City's bench overwhelmed San Antonio in Game, providing 76 points during a 123-108 comeback victory after falling behind 15-0 early in the contest. The Thunder entered the series as playoff underdogs for the first time in 33 games, ending a two-year streak of being favored in the postseason, yet remain one victory away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2016.

Eastern Conference Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a familiar position, down 0-2 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, yet the team remains undaunted despite the double-digit deficit. Cleveland has erased this exact 2-0 series hole before, taking comfort in how they competed in Game. The franchise's core, reminiscent of the LeBron James era, faces a ticking clock as they attempt to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since James's departure. Meanwhile, LeBron James himself has commented on the Lakers' playoff exit, stating his former team was "out-talented" by the Thunder in their first-round series, while the Cavaliers look to their key player to potentially save their season as they face elimination in Game.

NBA Awards Recognition

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City and Nikola Jokic of Denver secured unanimous first-team All-NBA selections, with Victor Wembanyama narrowly missing joining them as a unanimous pick by just one vote. The Spurs star earned the lone unanimous selection for the NBA's All-Defensive First Team, joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert and Derrick White. On the rookie front, the Mavs' Cooper Flagg, Hornets' Kon Knueppel and Sixers' VJ Edgecombe received unanimous first-team All-Rookie honors. In addition to individual awards, Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo was named the NBA's Social Justice Champion, recognizing his significant contributions to social justice initiatives both on and off the court.

International Basketball & Player Development

In a raucous Telekom Center in Athens, Greece, Olympiakos clinched the EuroLeague championship, defeating Real Madrid 92-85 in a back-and-forth game that saw Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo watching from the stands. Meanwhile, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's development continues to draw attention, with reports revealing that monks in central China helped shape him into "the most unstoppable force in basketball" through a unique training regimen. What makes Wembanyama so dangerous isn't just his shot-blocking ability but his uncanny defensive instincts that prevent players from even attempting shots, leading many to believe he will be Defensive Player of the Year for the next decade.

NBA Draft Developments

Kentucky freshman center Malachi Moreno, projected as a second-round pick in next month's NBA draft, has decided to return to school for another year rather than turn professional. to the 2026 draft, Jeremy Woo's updated mock draft predicts all 60 picks following an exciting week at the NBA combine that provided new insights into top prospects. The Thunder and Spurs, currently battling in the Western Conference finals, also control much of the next eight drafts as they've accumulated significant draft assets that could shape their futures for years to come, with Oklahoma City particularly benefiting from their ability to identify and develop young talent.

Player News & Business Updates

Golden State Warriors guard Jimmy Butler showcased his ACL recovery by jumping around on stage, with teammate Klay Thompson joking "don't show this to Steve" referring to coach Steve Kerr, as the injury appears to be healing well. The Cleveland Cavaliers have relied heavily on one key player throughout their roller-coaster season to deliver in crucial moments. On the business side, the Portland Trail Blazers laid off numerous business-side employees as part of a reorganization under new owner Tom Dundon, while the NBA coaching carousel continues to spin with Orlando and Chicago still seeking long-term fits as New Orleans and Milwaukee have found their next head coaches.