NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 31, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

Western Conference Finals

The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the defending champion Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, securing a 111-103 victory behind Victor Wembanyama's 22 points and seven rebounds. This win puts the Spurs in position to face the Eastern Conference champion Knicks in the NBA Finals, with Thunder slim championship favorites heading into the decisive contest. The Thunder's struggles continued as Jalen Williams scored only one point in his return from a hamstring strain, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with significantly below his regular-season production. Despite Williams being active for Game, his limited effectiveness proved critical in the series outcome that ended Oklahoma City's title defense.

NBA Finals Preview

The New York Knicks advanced to their first NBA Finals since 1999 after eliminating the Cavaliers, with Mitchell Robinson planning to play in Game 1 while wearing a brace on his hand after undergoing surgery on his broken right pinky finger. President Donald Trump confirmed his attendance at an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next month, adding another layer of intrigue to the championship series. The Knicks' improbable journey was fueled by bold moves and a coaching change, culminating in their first Finals appearance in 25 years. The Thunder-Spurs winner will face the Knicks in a Finals matchup that promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

Coaching Changes Around the League

The Orlando Magic are finalizing a deal to hire San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, while the Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed Kenny Atkinson will return next season as their head coach. In Boston, Joe Mazzulla was named NBA Coach of the Year over finalists J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson, officially wrapping up the league's end-of-season awards schedule. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks signed Onsi Saleh to a long-term contract extension and promoted him from general manager to president of basketball operations, continuing the trend of front office stability across the league.

Offseason Developments

As the NBA offseason officially begins for most teams, league insiders provided intel on lingering decisions for key free agents including Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, and Mitchell Robinson. The Lakers informed more than a dozen employees they were being laid off as part of a reorganization under new franchise leadership, signaling significant changes in Los Angeles. For eliminated teams, the offseason presents crucial decisions regarding the draft, free agency, and trade targets that could reshape their rosters for next season. Aces coach Becky Hammon stood by her assertion that a player of Jalen Brunson's stature could lead a team to an NBA title, saying Brunson will have to prove her wrong in the Finals.

NBA Draft Landscape

After the college withdrawal deadline, a wave of returners reshaped ESPN's latest top 100 prospects for the 2026 NBA draft. Arizona forward Koa Peat, a projected first-round pick, confirmed he's staying in the draft, while the NBA introduced reforms to the draft lottery that have drawn mixed reactions from executives. The numbers show that drafting in the top five hasn't translated into NBA titles over the past 20 years, adding context to the value of draft picks around the league. Teams are now recalibrating their draft strategies following these changes and the unexpected decisions of top prospects.

Player News & League Updates

Tyrese Maxey and Myra Gordon introduced their daughter, Marvel, born May 14, marking a personal milestone for the Sixers guard during the championship run. Victor Wembanyama received a warning from the NBA for violating media access rules after he did not speak to reporters following the Spurs' Game 5 loss, highlighting the challenges faced by young stars in the spotlight. The Currys, Stephen and Ayesha, plan to expand their restaurant chains to the East Coast, where Dell Curry reigned supreme during his playing days. From breaking news to the latest intel, highlights from Windhorst's podcast provided insights around the NBA as teams prepare for the offseason.