NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 5:54 PM ET

Conference Finals: Thunder-Spurs and Cavs-Knicks

The Western Conference finals swung back and forth this weekend as the Thunder floundered offensively in Game 4, producing their worst offensive showing in years as the Spurs evened the series at 2-2. Oklahoma City had looked dominant just 48 hours earlier, when their bench erupted for 76 points in a 123-108 comeback win after falling behind 15-0 in the first three minutes of Game. Jalen Williams' absence from Game 3 with a left hamstring injury left him day-to-day for Friday, while guard Ajay Mitchell was ruled out of Sunday's Game 4 with a right calf strain, compounding Oklahoma City's depth concerns heading into a pivotal stretch. Across the bracket, the Cavaliers found themselves down 2-0 again against the Knicks following a double-digit loss in Game, though coach Kenny Atkinson noted that Cleveland had won two of the first three games "analytically" before the Knicks' latest surge. The Cavs took comfort in their history of erasing deficits, and ESPN's breakdown of all four possible Finals matchups shows the East-West battles remain wide open, with the Spurs-Knicks and Thunder-Cavaliers pairings among the most compelling scenarios.

Awards and Recognition

NBA awards season delivered several headline selections this week. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic were named unanimous first-team All-NBA selections, while Victor Wembanyama fell one vote shy of joining them, a narrow miss that nonetheless cements his status as one of the league's elite. Wembanyama was the only unanimous pick for the All-Defensive First Team, joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert and Derrick White. His defensive dominance was on full display in coverage that framed him as the most dangerous defender in the league — not because of his shot-blocking volume, but because he forces opponents into low-percentage looks before they even shoot. Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo was honored with the NBA's Social Justice Champion award for his community work, and photos of him and A'ja Wilson attending a Vegas Golden Knights game together prompted a reaction from the Panthers organization. The Lakers' roster-building outlook brightened after the team hired Rohan Ramadas as assistant GM under Rob Pelinka, a move LeBron James called "significant" even as he admitted the Lakers felt "out-talented" by the Thunder in the playoffs.

Draft and Rookie Class

The 2026 draft class took shape this week with the NBA unveiling its All-Rookie First Team, featuring unanimous selections Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks, Kon Knueppel of the Hornets and VJ Edgecombe of the Sixers. Flagg's presence at the top of the class reflects a deep crop that could reshape team rosters for years. ESPN's updated mock draft now projects all 60 picks following an eventful NBA combine, though Kentucky freshman Malachi Moreno withdrew from the draft and returned to school for another year after being projected as a second-rounder. The draft's broader power dynamics were on display in an analysis showing how OKC and San Antonio control a disproportionate share of the next eight drafts, giving both franchises the ability to stay ahead of the competition through sustained asset accumulation. An inside look at the Shaolin monastery in China that helped develop Wembanyama offered a fascinating origin story behind the Spurs' generational talent.

Trade Buzz and Season-Long Narratives

Offseason trade speculation heated up with ESPN insiders pitching six potential deals involving Ja Morant and other stars, though analysts cautioned that most moves would represent incremental upgrades rather than franchise-altering shifts. The Celtics topped the latest NBA buzz among insiders, with several sources hinting at moves that could reshape the Eastern Conference hierarchy. Jimmy Butler drew attention dancing on stage after his ACL injury appears to be healing well, adding a lighter note to an otherwise serious injury timeline. The Cavaliers' season-long resilience was traced to one player who consistently stepped up in crisis moments, a narrative that carried through their 2-0 hole against New York. ESPN's roster-building analysis of the conference finalists extracted four key lessons from the Knicks, Cavs, Thunder and Spurs, emphasizing how each team's identity shaped its path to the final four. Victor Wembanyama's cultural profile continued to grow, with Giannis Antetokounmpo attending Olympiakos' EuroLeague title win in Athens, a moment that underscored the global reach of basketball's marquee talents.