NBA Basketball 3 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:39 PM ET

Western Conference Finals

The Thunder extended their lead in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, overpowering the Timberwolves while playing without star wing Jalen Williams, who was ruled day-to-day with a left hamstring injury. Oklahoma City's defensive intensity and transition game proved too much, leaving Minnesota facing a 2-1 series deficit.

Awards & Honors

The NBA unveiled its season-end awards, with Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, and Sixers wing VJ Edgecombe garnering unanimous first-team honors on the All-Rookie team. On the defensive side, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama claimed the only unanimous selection for the All-Defensive First Team, joined by Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White. Heat center Bam Adebayo earned the league's Social Justice Champion award for his extensive community work in Miami.

LeBron's Assessment

Following the Lakers' playoff exit, LeBron James stated the obvious, telling reporters that Los Angeles was simply "out-talented" by the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. The 40-year-old forward's blunt assessment highlighted the gap between his veteran-laden roster and OKC's young, dynamic core.

Eastern Conference Struggles

In the Eastern Conference finals, the Cavaliers absorbed a second straight double-digit defeat at the hands of the Celtics, falling into a 2-0 series hole. Despite the daunting deficit, Cleveland players pointed to their improved performance in Game 2 and noted they have already erased a 2-0 deficit twice this postseason—against the Heat and Pacers—as reason for belief.