NBA Playoffs

New York Knicks owner James Dolan moves to cool a viral courtside controversy, insisting President Donald Trump did not fall asleep during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. The moment adds another political layer to a series already under intense national scrutiny.

Draymond Green said he is not glad the New York Knicks fell short of breaking Golden State’s record for the longest playoff winning streak. The Warriors veteran’s comments came as the Knicks’ postseason surge has fueled comparisons with the 2017 title team.

LeBron James has spotlighted New York Knicks guard Josh Hart as a quintessential "winning player," praising his impact beyond the box score during the Knicks’ Finals run. The endorsement underscores how Hart’s all-around game is shaping New York’s push for a long-awaited championship.

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a commanding 3-2 lead and moving within one victory of returning to the NBA Finals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a pivotal 127-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, taking a 3-2 series lead and placing Victor Wembanyama's Spurs on the verge of elimination. The defending champions now head to San Antonio with a chance to close out the series.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a monumental performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, seizing an early series lead.

The San Antonio Spurs look to build on their dramatic double-overtime victory in Game 1 as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, with the series now shifting to San Antonio.

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with the Knicks enjoying a significant rest advantage while the Cavaliers arrive fresh off a grueling seven-game series.

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers clash in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with the Knicks enjoying a layoff advantage and the Cavaliers battling through two grueling seven-game series.

Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren's performance decline in the 2026 NBA Playoffs is raising significant concerns about his upcoming restricted free agency, potentially costing him millions.

A contentious no-call involving Ausar Thompson and Jarrett Allen at the close of regulation forced Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals into overtime, sparking debate among fans and observers.

Victor Wembanyama delivered a commanding performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a decisive 126-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The win gives the Spurs a crucial 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Following a Western Conference Semifinals sweep, the Los Angeles Lakers confront significant offseason decisions, with trade speculation linking Austin Reaves to a potential deal for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The San Antonio Spurs will have key guards De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper available for Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, providing a significant boost as the series stands tied at two games apiece.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers' elimination from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, LeBron James has stated his future in the league remains unclear, leaving open the possibility of retirement or a return for his 24th season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, securing their spot in the Western Conference Finals with a 115-110 victory in Game 4.

Donovan Mitchell delivered a historic performance, tying an NBA playoff record with 39 second-half points to power the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial 112-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons, leveling their Eastern Conference Semifinals series at 2-2.

Oklahoma City Thunder surged to a 131-108 victory in Game 3, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. A potential sweep looms in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena.

Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu are off the Minnesota Timberwolves' injury report for Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, handing the hosts a critical boost with the series at 2-1. Edwards shakes off a lingering knee issue from the Nuggets series to play without restriction.

New York holds a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals and can complete its first sweep since 1999 with a win on Sunday afternoon. Philadelphia fights for survival against a Knicks team averaging nearly 20-point victories.

Cleveland Cavaliers reserve guard Sam Merrill remains questionable with a hamstring strain ahead of a pivotal Game 3 against the Detroit Pistons, who lead the series 2-0. The Cavaliers desperately need his floor-spacing to stave off a 3-0 deficit.

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The 2026 NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3, on ABC, with a best-of-seven schedule rearranged to avoid the FIFA World Cup. Conference semifinals are underway, with the Pistons and Knicks dominating the East while the Thunder lead the West.

San Antonio's balanced attack proved too much for Minnesota at Target Center, as the second-seeded Spurs claimed a 115-108 victory to take control of their second-round series.

Knicks superfan Spike Lee attended a playoff game carrying a basketball-themed bag and gleefully reminisced about being at Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, 56 years to the day.

The No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers return home for a must-win Game 3 against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference semifinals 2-0 after decisive road victories. Cleveland enters as 4.5-point favorites at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Joel Embiid remains day-to-day with a sprained right ankle and sore right hip, casting uncertainty over the Philadelphia 76ers' push to climb out of a 2-0 deficit against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 3 shifts to Philly tonight with the series on the line.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby suffered a right hamstring strain in Game 2 and is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 3 in Philadelphia. The injury clouds the Knicks' 2-0 series lead over the 76ers.

Oklahoma City Thunder carry a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Paycom Center, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to extend OKC's playoff dominance. The Thunder's depth and home-court edge set the stage for a critical test of LA's resilience.

Mike Lupica asserts the New York Knicks hold the edge over the Philadelphia 76ers in their playoff series but warns they must demonstrate it decisively in Game 3. The column arrives amid a reported momentum shift favoring New York.

New York holds a commanding 2-0 advantage over Philadelphia after back-to-back dominant wins, shifting the series to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Game 3 on Friday night. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks aim to extend their historic playoff streak against a desperate 76ers squad missing Joel Embiid.

Cade Cunningham's 32 points and 12 assists powered the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to a 116-109 Game 7 victory over the Orlando Magic, erasing a 3-1 series deficit and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Western Conference Semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves is tied at one game apiece, with the series now shifting to Minnesota for Game 3. San Antonio's dominant Game 2 victory has reset the momentum in a highly anticipated matchup.

Conference semifinal openers deliver early verdicts, with the Thunder and Knicks surging atop power rankings while the Spurs and 76ers stumble. Three Game 7s from the first round set a high bar now tested in the second round.

San Antonio hosts Minnesota in Game 2 of their first-round series Thursday night, looking to level the matchup after a shocking 104-102 loss. Anthony Edwards' knee injury status looms large over a contest that will hinge on the Spurs' three-point shooting recovery.

Anthony Edwards could see increased playing time in Game 2 after a strong Game 1 return from injury, while Ayo Dosunmu rejoins the Minnesota Timberwolves lineup against the San Antonio Spurs.

San Antonio opens as 9.5-point favorites for Game 2 at Frost Bank Center following Minnesota's 104-102 Game 1 upset. Prop markets highlight Anthony Edwards over 20.5 points amid injury questions for both sides.

The league penalizes New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels for their Game 6 altercation, with Robinson drawing an extra fine for social media activity. The Knicks advance after a dominant 140-89 victory.

Sports Illustrated spotlights the most electrifying performers still alive in the 2026 NBA playoffs, from Joel Embiid's heroic return to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring dominance. These stars fuel historic comebacks and defensive masterpieces as the second round heats up.

New York Knicks dismantled Philadelphia 137-98 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, exposing the Sixers' thin rotation after their trade deadline subtraction strategy. The lopsided loss has reignited debate over Philadelphia's decision to prioritize luxury tax relief over reinforcements.

Victor Wembanyama's historic playoff debut and Spurs' second-round push make his cards a strong buy, while LeBron James' consistent Lakers run prompts experts to recommend selling his memorabilia now.

Jarrett Allen posted a playoff career-high 22 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7, clinching the series 4-3 and advancing to face the Detroit Pistons.

The 2026 NBA playoffs advance to the conference semifinals with all four matchups confirmed after dramatic first-round conclusions. Detroit hosts Cleveland tonight while experts heavily favor Oklahoma City and San Antonio to dominate the West.

Detroit guard Kevin Huerter's status for Game 1 against Cleveland remains uncertain due to a left adductor strain, while the Cavaliers report no injuries ahead of their Eastern Conference semifinals clash. The top-seeded Pistons host the fourth-seeded Cavs tonight at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit rewards head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with a contract extension following a thrilling first-round playoff series win over Orlando. The move caps a stunning franchise turnaround from 14-68 to Eastern Conference No. 1 seed.

The San Antonio Spurs make their first postseason appearance since 2019, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Youth meets experience in a matchup loaded with defensive intrigue and star power.

Detroit rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat Orlando 116-94 on Sunday, advancing to the second round and securing the franchise's first playoff series win in 18 years.

Jaylen Brown accused Joel Embiid of flopping and alleged referee bias following Boston's 109-100 elimination by Philadelphia, claiming the 76ers star was rewarded for exaggerating contact.

Joel Embiid is listed as probable for Philadelphia's elimination Game 5 against Boston after posting 26 points in his Game 4 return from appendectomy surgery. The 76ers trail 3-1 in this first-round clash.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points and perfect fourth-quarter shooting powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 131-122 Game 4 win, completing a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the 2026 NBA playoffs first round.