New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has been named the overall MVP of the 2026 NBA postseason after leading his team to championship glory.
The 2026 All-Playoffs first and second teams have been revealed to recognise the most impactful performers across the entire tournament.
Brunson headlines the prestigious list following a historic title run.
The dynamic playmaker averaged 28.4 points per game throughout the playoffs.
He capped off the campaign with a legendary 45-point performance in the Finals clincher.
Historic postseason scoring
Brunson joins an elite group of just 13 players in the modern playoff era to average at least 28 points for a title-winning side.
The championship-winning guard produced 38 clutch points during the postseason.
He effectively outscored the rest of the New York roster combined in those crucial late-game moments.
The accolade adds to a growing collection of hardware, having already secured both the conference finals and overall Finals MVP awards.
Wembanyama makes immediate impact
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama also earned a spot on the first team after a remarkable playoff debut.
The 22-year-old Frenchman guided his team to the Finals, eliminating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder along the way.
The towering centre led the playoff field in several advanced statistical categories.
He averaged an imposing 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game over the course of the postseason.
Room for growth
Despite his dominance, the San Antonio talisman showed areas requiring improvement before he can lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Wembanyama appeared fatigued in the later rounds and struggled with late-game scoring efficiency.
The defensive anchor was also dangerously close to facing a suspension due to an accumulation of flagrant foul points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s highly anticipated departure from the Milwaukee Bucks has stalled as the franchise deliberates over complex trade packages from the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
The NBA offseason is officially underway following the New York Knicks claiming their first championship in 53 years.
However, the biggest storyline dominating the league remains the uncertain future of the Greek forward.
Talks between Milwaukee and Miami have been ongoing for several months without reaching a definitive resolution.
Miami Heat push for franchise star
The two-time MVP is reportedly open to signing a lucrative contract extension should he land in Florida.
This willingness has amplified Miami’s desire to construct a viable pathway for the blockbuster transfer.
Milwaukee executives are currently unconvinced by the proposals tabled by the Eastern Conference rivals.
Miami can now offer a package headlined by the 13th overall pick in next week’s draft.
Wisconsin native Tyler Herro and several highly rated prospects are also available to sweeten the proposal.
Boston Celtics face tactical dilemma
The Boston Celtics have emerged as another viable destination on the former NBA champion’s shortlist.
He would also be willing to commit his long-term future to the Massachusetts franchise.
However, Boston’s front office remains notoriously private and is reportedly uncomfortable with the player’s representation demanding a seat at the negotiating table.
A move to the Celtics presents significant tactical and personnel challenges.
Acquiring the NBA superstar would likely require breaking up their highly successful duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Complex multi-team trades explored
Any potential agreement involving the Celtics would also force a complete overhaul of their established playing style.
Milwaukee’s front office is acutely aware that trading their talisman will define the organisation’s next decade.
Consequently, there is no internal pressure to rush into a suboptimal agreement simply to resolve the situation.
A final resolution may ultimately require the involvement of a third or fourth franchise.
This complex multi-team structure would allow the Bucks to flip acquired assets or offload unwanted player contracts.
London-born forward OG Anunoby believes basketball will experience rapid growth in the United Kingdom following his starring role in the New York Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks secured their first finals triumph since 1973 by wrapping up a 4-1 series win in Texas.
However, it was the former Toronto Raptors star who provided the defining moment of the best-of-seven series during a dramatic game four at Madison Square Garden.
With just 1.2 seconds remaining and New York trailing by a single point, Anunoby tipped in a missed Jalen Brunson three-pointer to steal a miraculous victory.
A defining moment in British basketball history
That stunning rebound propelled the British standout into elite company alongside iconic clutch plays from legends like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
The viral game-winner sparked wild celebrations among the celebrity-filled front row and pushed the storied franchise to the brink of basketball immortality.
“Game four is probably the top of British basketball history,” said London-born Anunoby, now a two-time NBA winner.
“Amazing for Britain and the UK and everyone who loves basketball in the UK.”
Stepping out of the shadows
Unlike his 2019 title success in Canada, where injury sidelined him for the entire post-season, Anunoby was instrumental to this year’s championship run.
The defensive specialist started 84 matches this season and ranked second across the entire squad in play-off points, assists, blocks, and steals per game.
While talismanic point guard Brunson claimed the Finals MVP award, his British team-mate has firmly cemented his status as a vital franchise cornerstone.
A golden era for UK-based talent
The 2026 campaign featured a record-breaking contingent of players from the United Kingdom making their mark on the premier basketball league.
Anunoby shared the court with fellow Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan, who holds deep allegiance to the UK despite representing Poland internationally.
Amari Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan also featured during a landmark season that promises to inspire a new generation of British prospects.
The Chicago Bulls are finalising the appointment of Tiago Splitter as their new head coach to succeed Billy Donovan, following an impressive interim spell with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 41-year-old emerged as the chosen candidate after top franchise officials met with four finalists in Illinois last week.
He steps into the role previously held by Donovan, tasked with bringing organisational alignment and strong player development to the United Center.
Executive vice-president of basketball operations Bryson Graham led a thorough search before settling on the former NBA champion.
Impressive interim stint in Portland
The new arrival significantly boosted his coaching credentials after stepping into the top job for the Trail Blazers last season amidst off-court adversity.
He guided the Oregon franchise to a 42-40 regular-season record and a Western Conference playoff berth as the seventh seed.
Under his stewardship, Portland boasted a top-10 defensive record over their final 51 fixtures while leading the league in second-chance points.
His leadership also garnered strong support from the locker room, notably aiding forward Deni Avdija in securing his first NBA All-Star selection.
From NBA champion to the touchline
The incoming boss brings a wealth of elite experience, having enjoyed a seven-year playing career that included a championship ring with the San Antonio Spurs.
After retiring from the court, the Brazilian systematically climbed the coaching ranks starting as a scout and development staff member with the Brooklyn Nets.
His journey to the premier job in Chicago included an assistant role with the Houston Rockets and a brief spell leading Paris Basketball.
Meanwhile, Portland must now resume their own coaching search, with Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook remaining as the primary candidates.
Top NBA draft prospect Darryn Peterson has exclusively visited the Washington Wizards ahead of next week’s draft, declining meetings with all other franchises.
The former Kansas guard’s decision guarantees that only the team holding the number one overall pick will get an in-person assessment.
Rival lottery teams have reportedly taken note of this resolute stance by the freshman standout.
Meanwhile, fellow top-pick contender AJ Dybantsa has completed visits with both Washington and the Utah Jazz, who select second on Tuesday, 23 June.
Battle for the number one pick
Both highly rated youngsters firmly believe they will hear their names called first when the draft gets under way.
Dybantsa has long been considered the presumed favourite for the top spot after a stellar campaign at BYU.
The 6ft 9in forward averaged 25.5 points per game, becoming the first freshman to lead the country in scoring since Trae Young in 2018.
However, Peterson also boasts a formidable collegiate record, setting a Kansas freshman milestone with an average of 20.2 points.
Overcoming injury concerns
The talented playmaker’s season was partially derailed by a mysterious injury that forced him to miss 11 games.
Doctors later concluded that debilitating cramping issues were caused by his use of high doses of creatine.
Despite his refusal to visit Utah, rival executives do not believe this will deter the Jazz from selecting him if he remains available.
General manager Austin Ainge selected Ace Bailey fifth overall last year without a pre-draft workout, establishing a clear precedent for the franchise.
Rebuilding franchises seek a saviour
Washington desperately need an injection of elite talent after finishing last season with a dismal 17-65 record.
The capital city franchise has not tasted a playoff series victory since the 2017-18 campaign.
Wizards top basketball executive Michael Winger believes securing the first overall selection is a long-overdue reward for their loyal fanbase.
“It’s our fans that have endured the most, and to me, this No. 1 pick is for them.”
Michael Winger
“It’s a reward to continue to support us despite sometimes really bad basketball.”
A teenager was shot and a World Cup fan bus was set on fire in New York as chaotic celebrations erupted following the Knicks’ first NBA Finals victory since 1973.
The historic 4-1 series triumph over the San Antonio Spurs triggered wild scenes across midtown Manhattan on Saturday night.
Hundreds of jubilant basketball fans swarmed the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden before the situation escalated dramatically in the early hours of the morning.
Police confirmed a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the foot in Times Square, leading to three individuals being taken into custody.
Riot police deploy as World Cup bus burns
The widespread disorder also impacted supporters returning from a football match between Brazil and Morocco.
Revellers climbed onto the roofs of yellow school buses operating as municipal shuttles for the international tournament.
Video journalists at the scene reported that at least one of these convoy vehicles was subsequently engulfed in flames.
Authorities in riot gear were eventually forced to intervene after holding back and observing the chaos for approximately two hours.
Mounted officers pushed the sprawling crowds back to restore order across the bustling tourist district.
Brunson heroics end 51-year championship drought
The off-court chaos temporarily overshadowed a monumental sporting achievement for the Eastern Conference franchise down in Texas.
Star point guard Jalen Brunson delivered a scintillating 45-point performance to orchestrate a 94-90 comeback win in game five.
The dynamic playmaker was rightfully named Finals Most Valuable Player as his team rallied from a double-digit deficit to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
A star-studded crowd, including long-time superfan Spike Lee and the Duke of Sussex, witnessed the historic close-out game.
Victor Wembanyama has described his first NBA Finals defeat as the “biggest lesson of my life” after the New York Knicks clinched the championship with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5.
The French international cut an emotional figure following the conclusion of the series at the Frost Bank Center.
Despite establishing double-digit leads in all five games, the Spurs succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat against their Eastern Conference opponents.
San Antonio squandered a 16-point advantage in the decisive encounter before ultimately collapsing during a pivotal fourth quarter.
A painful learning experience
Taking time to compose himself during the post-match press conference, the towering centre insisted he would use the disappointment as motivation.
“It’s painful, but I’m not running away from that,” Wembanyama stated.
“I’m using it to fuel me. I’m not satisfied with not winning. This is the biggest lesson of my life.”
The former number-one draft pick delivered a commanding defensive performance in the first half, recording five blocks to stifle the visiting offence.
Brunson heroics seal Knicks triumph
However, San Antonio’s failure to execute consistently down the stretch proved costly against a resilient New York outfit.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson conceded his young squad lacked the required experience to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“We weren’t ready to win an NBA championship. The better team won,” Johnson admitted.
A spirited effort from rookie Dylan Harper, who contributed a team-high 25 points, was ultimately overshadowed by the brilliance of Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks guard orchestrated a devastating 21-7 run in the closing stages to complete the comeback and seal the title.
Brunson finished with an exceptional 45-point performance, rightfully earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award for his series-winning exploits.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and Phoenix Mercury counterpart Kahleah Copper have made WNBA history by becoming the first opponents to score 40 points in the same game during a 111-102 overtime victory for the Sparks on Saturday.
The historic shootout at the Mortgage Matchup Center saw both players register career-high scoring totals in a thrilling WNBA encounter.
Plum finished with a spectacular 43 points, while her Phoenix rival tallied 41 in a remarkable offensive showcase.
Record-breaking night for Los Angeles playmaker
The ninth-year guard successfully converted 14 of her 26 attempts from the field, including five three-pointers, alongside seven assists.
Her exceptional tally tied retired star Kristi Toliver for the Los Angeles franchise’s single-game scoring record.
The dynamic scorer also matched a team benchmark by pouring in 17 points during a decisive fourth-quarter surge.
Los Angeles head coach Lynne Roberts was left thoroughly impressed by the unprecedented dual scoring exhibition.
“That was an offensive display by both Kah and KP,” Roberts said.
“When they both have it going like that, it’s impressive and fun to watch.”
Copper joins exclusive Mercury club despite defeat
Despite falling short of the win, the Mercury standout etched her own name into the record books with a 40-point double-double that included 10 rebounds.
She joins retired legend Diana Taurasi as the only player in Phoenix history to reach the 40-point milestone in a single contest.
The performance also marks just the second time in league history a player has scored 40 points in a defeat, echoing Lauren Jackson’s 2007 effort for Seattle.
Phoenix’s struggles continue despite the historic individual effort, with the team dropping to a 4-11 overall record for the season.
Plum powers Sparks resurgence
The dramatic overtime victory extends a three-game winning streak for Los Angeles, improving their regular-season record to 7-6.
Their standout guard is currently enjoying a phenomenal campaign, leading the WNBA with a staggering average of 26.6 points per game.
She attributes her current career-best form in points, assists, and shooting efficiency to an intensified off-season conditioning programme.
“In the offseason this year, I really took my weight-room strength and conditioning to another level,” Plum said.
“Another thing is just mentally I’ve grown and been a lot more patient. I appreciate that coach gives me the freedom to really go out there and just play.”