Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points on Wednesday as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 to level the Western Conference finals at 1-1.
The league MVP produced a commanding response following a subdued performance in the opening game of the series.
His crucial offensive display ensured the defending champions avoided falling into a perilous 2-0 deficit on home court.
Thunder bench makes the difference
While the 26-year-old guard spearheaded the attack, the hosts relied heavily on their supporting cast to secure the vital victory.
Oklahoma City’s second unit outscored their Texan counterparts by a staggering 57-25 margin.
Alex Caruso contributed 17 points off the bench, while rookies Jared McCain and Cason Wallace each added 12 points.
Isaiah Hartenstein also made a significant impact with 10 points and 13 rebounds after barely featuring in the series opener.
“The guys brought it tonight. Knowing what it would have meant if we lost this one, we brought the energy from the jump.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Wembanyama effort falls short
San Antonio trailed by 11 points at half-time but mounted a fierce comeback effort in the closing stages of the contest.
A corner three-pointer from Harrison Barnes reduced the deficit to just two points with nine minutes remaining.
However, the home side responded with a decisive 11-0 run to regain a comfortable double-digit advantage and effectively seal the game.
Victor Wembanyama produced a spectacular individual performance for the visitors, recording 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four blocks.
The French superstar was supported by Stephon Castle, who registered a team-high 25 points, alongside Devin Vassell with 22.
The pivotal third game of the series will take place on Friday when the contest shifts to San Antonio.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe have been unanimously selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
The standout trio appeared on all 100 media ballots to secure their places among the league’s elite first-year players.
San Antonio Spurs prospect Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward complete the formidable five-man lineup.
Harper also featured on every single ballot, earning 93 first-team nods alongside seven second-team votes.
Flagg secures Rookie of the Year honours
These five first-team members were the only individuals to receive votes in the overall Rookie of the Year race.
The Mavericks sensation ultimately edged out the Charlotte sharpshooter to claim the prestigious individual award.
His victory underlines a remarkable debut campaign in Texas following his highly anticipated transition into the professional ranks.
Second team revealed ahead of further awards
The New Orleans Pelicans were heavily represented in the All-Rookie Second Team, with both Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen earning selections.
They are joined by Utah Jazz talent Ace Bailey, Sacramento Kings big man Maxime Reynaud and Toronto Raptors prospect Collin Murray-Boyles.
Further accolades will be distributed throughout the week as the NBA’s post-season recognition continues.
The league is scheduled to announce its All-Defensive team on Friday before revealing the prestigious All-NBA squads on Sunday.
The New York Knicks overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, securing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Jalen Brunson scored 38 points to inspire one of the greatest postseason recoveries in basketball history.
The home side appeared destined for a heavy defeat after falling 93-71 behind with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation.
However, an astonishing 18-1 scoring run dragged the hosts back into the contest before tying the game with just 19 seconds left.
Playmaker sparks stunning late revival
The dynamic point guard relentlessly attacked James Harden defensively during the decisive late surge.
Overtime then belonged entirely to the home team, who launched a 9-0 run while a delirious crowd celebrated in the aisles.
“I don’t have an answer for you. We got some stops, we kept fighting, kept believing.” Jalen Brunson
“Just kept chipping away. They were playing great basketball, and we just found a way.”
Historic comeback stuns visitors
This result marks only the second time in 30 postseasons that a franchise has successfully erased a 22-point deficit in the final period.
Before this dramatic encounter, teams facing such an imposing late margin possessed a dismal 1-594 postseason record.
Mikal Bridges provided crucial support with 18 points, while three other roster members each contributed 13.
Among those was OG Anunoby, who made vital plays upon returning from a two-game absence caused by a strained right hamstring.
Mitchell effort in vain for collapsing Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell led the visitors with a game-high 29 points before their sudden and spectacular collapse.
The Ohio-based outfit had previously seemed entirely in control and poised to secure a third consecutive road victory.
Instead, momentum shifts completely toward New York, who now sit just three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
The Dallas Mavericks have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday following a five-year tenure in Texas.
The outgoing coach leaves the franchise despite having four years and more than $40m remaining on his current contract.
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont gave newly appointed president Masai Ujiri full authorization to determine the coaching future upon his recent arrival.
Search for new direction
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said in a statement.
“We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
The former point guard had previously expressed a desire to transition into the front office following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison in November.
However, ownership informed the Hall of Fame player months ago that he would not be considered for the president of basketball operations vacancy.
Doncic departure and decline
During his half-decade at the helm, the 52-year-old guided Dallas to a 205-205 regular-season record and 22 post-season victories.
His tenure peaked with a run to the 2024 NBA Finals, but the organisation made a shocking pivot shortly after by trading franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The controversial February 2025 exchange brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, but the move ultimately proved disastrous and contributed to Harrison’s exit.
Rebuilding phase ahead
Minority owner Mark Cuban recently claimed the coaching staff were directly involved in the decision to move Doncic, although these allegations were strongly denied.
The Slovenian superstar was the undeniable driving force behind the team’s success, with Dallas boasting a 136-87 record when he featured in the lineup.
Without their talisman, the Mavericks struggled immensely, culminating in a dismal 26-56 record last season.
The oft-injured Davis was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards at the deadline to create financial flexibility for an impending rebuild.
Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the WNBA season after suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament during Sunday’s victory against the Minnesota Lynx.
An MRI scan confirmed the extent of the damage on Tuesday, and the 23-year-old will now undergo surgery at an unconfirmed date.
Devastating blow for breakout star
The former Tennessee standout had enjoyed a phenomenal start to her third year in the professional ranks.
Prior to the weekend, she was leading the Chicago offence with an impressive average of 22 points per game.
Jackson joined the Illinois franchise this off-season following a trade from the Los Angeles Sparks, where she established her reputation as an elite scorer.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed his profound disappointment but backed the 6ft 2in star to bounce back.
“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Pagliocca said.
“Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year.”
Mounting injury crisis in Chicago
This latest setback compounds a growing availability crisis for head coach Tyler Marsh.
Key personnel including Azura Stevens, DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Vandersloot have all failed to make their season debuts due to various ailments.
Furthermore, Skylar Diggins was sidelined for Sunday’s 86-79 win with an eye issue, although she is expected to return to the court shortly.
The franchise will now rely on its world-class medical staff to rehabilitate their leading scorer ahead of next season.
The Washington Wizards are projected to select BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft following the recent scouting combine in Chicago.
Dybantsa remains the consensus favourite to be chosen first overall when the event takes place on 23 June.
However, NBA executives reportedly see little separation among a consensus top four that also includes Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.
The Eastern Conference franchise secured the top selection during the recent draft lottery, marking their first time picking first since 2010.
Physical tools impress scouts
Dybantsa solidified his elite prospect status at the Chicago combine with outstanding physical measurements.
The highly-rated teenager measured six-foot-eight barefoot with a plus-four wingspan and recorded a 42-inch maximum vertical leap.
These explosive athletic traits align perfectly with the player profiles historically valued by the Washington front office.
Crucial deadlines approach
Rival executives do not view the BYU standout as a guaranteed first selection, as Peterson, Boozer and Wilson remain firmly in consideration.
The Utah Jazz currently hold the second overall pick and are heavily linked with Kansas guard Peterson.
This lack of a runaway top prospect has sparked speculation that the top four teams could engage in rare trade negotiations to swap positions.
Meanwhile, franchise scouts are heading to Los Angeles for a final round of pro days ahead of the 27 May NCAA withdrawal deadline.
The New York Knicks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals after a dramatic tactical shift involving Karl-Anthony Towns sparked a seven-game playoff winning streak.
Head coach Mike Brown has unlocked an unstoppable offence by utilising his star big man as a playmaking fulcrum.
The strategic pivot occurred during a tense film session when the New York franchise trailed the Atlanta Hawks 2-1 in the first round of the 2026 postseason.
Tactical crossroads sparks historic run
The Hawks had previously stifled the Knicks by aggressively defending undersized captain Jalen Brunson.
During a crucial review between games three and four, Brown challenged his highly decorated forward for failing to set a screen.
You want the ball? What are you doing here?
This blunt intervention birthed a fluid offensive machine that draws heavy inspiration from the Golden State Warriors’ legendary movement principles.
Brown witnessed that revolutionary system firsthand during his six-year tenure as an assistant coach in California.
A playoff juggernaut emerges
The results of this mid-series adjustment have been utterly devastating for opposing defences.
The Eastern Conference contenders secured a 59-point demolition of Atlanta in game six to close out their opening series.
An anonymous squad member revealed that the sudden style change felt like their manager taking full control of the tactical blueprint.
In a way, it felt like Brown saying, ‘Screw it, I’m going to do things my way.’
That bold decision prevented a potentially disastrous early exit for a franchise burdened with championship expectations from owner James Dolan.
Unstoppable momentum heading into the finals
The revamped New York roster now boasts a staggering offensive rating of 130.5 points per 100 possessions during their franchise-record winning streak.
They are currently shooting 60% from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the three-point line.
These exceptional figures have yielded an enormous average point differential of +24.5 over the past seven fixtures.
Brunson noted that the team always possessed this capability, even as it remained dormant during the regular season.
The rejuvenated squad will now attempt to maintain their blistering form when they host Cleveland in game one of the conference finals on Tuesday.
Donovan Mitchell has propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers into the Eastern Conference Finals after sinking an extraordinary half-court buzzer-beater to eliminate the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
The dramatic banked shot sealed a stunning series victory for the Ohio franchise over the heavily favoured number one seeds.
The spectacular effort was launched from beyond the mid-court line as the final seconds ticked away to close out the decisive contest.
A monumental upset in the East
Advancing to the conference finals represents a major milestone for the Cavaliers after overcoming the formidable regular-season leaders.
The dynamic shooting guard cemented his reputation as an elite post-season performer with this phenomenal game-winning strike.
Defeating a top-seeded team demands exceptional moments, and this defining shot off the glass provided exactly the magic required.
Next stop for the Cavaliers
Securing this series victory guarantees the resurgent squad will now compete for a coveted spot in the NBA Finals.
Their opponents in the upcoming round remain to be determined as the rest of the playoff bracket continues to unfold.
Meanwhile, the devastated Michigan-based roster must process an abrupt and heartbreaking end to a previously dominant campaign.