nba playoff game

Mitch Johnson strongly defended Stephon Castle after the young Spurs guard was left off the NBA All-Defensive Teams. Johnson praised Castle’s impact on both ends of the court and predicted the 21-year-old would use the disappointment as motivation next season. The Spurs coach also capped off an impressive year personally, finishing third in NBA Coach of the Year voting after leading San Antonio to a remarkable 62-win season and a deep playoff run against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Luka Dončić added another historic chapter to his NBA career after earning his sixth All-NBA First Team selection despite the Lakers’ disappointing playoff exit. The Lakers superstar led the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game and joined several NBA legends by reaching six All-NBA honors before age 28. His remarkable March stretch, scoring explosions and overall consistency helped solidify his place among basketball’s elite, even as injuries and postseason struggles prevented Los Angeles from making a deeper playoff run.

Donald Trump said he is likely to attend one of the NBA Finals games after the New York Knicks reached the championship series. Trump praised Knicks owner James Dolan and the team’s playoff run during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. If he attends, Trump would become the first sitting US president ever to appear at an NBA Finals game.

The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after completing a commanding four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Powered by Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and a deep supporting cast, the Knicks dominated Game 4 with a 130-93 victory in Cleveland. New York overwhelmed the Cavaliers with rebounding, ball movement, and three-point shooting while Cleveland struggled with turnovers and inconsistent offense outside Donovan Mitchell.

LeBron James was left off the All-NBA teams for the first time in 21 seasons after failing to meet the NBA’s 65-game eligibility requirement. The Lakers star played only 60 games because of back sciatica issues, ending the longest All-NBA streak in league history. Despite the omission, James still averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while helping Los Angeles reach the playoffs. His absence from the list reflected both the NBA’s stricter availability rules and the league’s gradual shift toward a younger generation of stars.

Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after leading the New York Knicks to a dominant four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks clinched their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 with a commanding 130-93 victory in Game 4, fueled by balanced scoring, strong defense, and Brunson’s calm leadership at point guard. Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and the Knicks’ deep bench also played major roles throughout the series as New York extended its playoff winning streak to 11 games and moved one step closer to the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.

Travis Kelce found himself at the center of fresh controversy after a viral video showed him chugging a beer during the Cavaliers-Knicks playoff game while Taylor Swift watched courtside. Critics attempted to connect the moment to the ongoing Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel controversy, sparking debate online. Supporters argued Kelce was simply enjoying a sporting event, while the incident highlighted the intense scrutiny surrounding every public appearance by the Chiefs star and Swift.

Star guard Jalen Brunson is expected to play for the New York Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers, providing a significant boost for the Eastern Conference battle. Brunson's consistent All-NBA level play has been crucial for the Knicks' strong season, and his availability is a positive sign for their playoff positioning.

Victor Wembanyama is expected to play for the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. His dominant Game 1 performance, where he showcased exceptional scoring, rebounding, and rim protection, was crucial in the Spurs' double-overtime victory. His availability is a major factor in this highly anticipated playoff series.

Jaylin Williams delivered a timely playoff performance for the Thunder during Game 3 against the Spurs, scoring 11 points in just 10 minutes while helping support Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offensively. His strong outing became even more important after Jalen Williams was ruled out because of a recurring left hamstring injury. Jaylin’s efficient shooting and steady energy have quietly strengthened Oklahoma City’s depth throughout the postseason as the Thunder continue fighting for another NBA Finals appearance.

Alex Caruso briefly left Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals after rolling his right ankle against the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran guard exited in the second quarter before returning later in the half, easing concerns for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Caruso had already scored 14 points before the injury scare and continued to provide the defensive intensity that has been crucial throughout Oklahoma City’s playoff run.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce drew major attention during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Cavaliers and Knicks in Cleveland. While the appearance added celebrity power to the NBA playoffs, it also highlighted Kelce’s strong Ohio roots and the couple’s growing influence across sports culture. Their courtside outing reflected how their relationship continues to blur the lines between entertainment, football and mainstream celebrity visibility ahead of another NFL season.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sparked another viral moment after attending the Cavaliers vs Knicks playoff game courtside. While Kelce’s beer-chugging celebration energized fans, online controversy exploded after viewers noticed ESPN commentators repeatedly avoided mentioning Swift by name during the broadcast. Swifties slammed the coverage as disrespectful, while others defended the network for focusing on sports instead of celebrity attention during the nationally televised nba playoff game.

Cade Cunningham is expected to play in today’s playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Detroit Pistons star is not listed on the latest injury report and recently scored 39 points in Game 5. After previously recovering from a collapsed lung injury earlier this season, Cunningham has continued playing full playoff minutes and remains Detroit’s most important player heading into tonight’s matchup.

Evan Mobley has become one of the NBA’s fastest-rising stars both on and off the court. Entering 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers forward carries an estimated $15 million net worth fueled by NBA contracts, endorsements, and long-term investments. Cleveland’s massive five-year extension worth up to $269 million positioned Mobley as the franchise cornerstone for years to come. Alongside endorsement partnerships with adidas, Panini, AT&T, Chipotle, and New Era, Mobley’s growing offensive game and elite defense continue raising both his basketball value and financial profile.

Julian Champagnie delivered a huge first-half performance for the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 17 points before halftime. The former undrafted forward has become a valuable two-way contributor for San Antonio this season, averaging 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. Champagnie’s rise from uncertainty to playoff contributor reflects the persistence, work ethic, and resilience that continue to shape his growing NBA career.

Luka Dončić has reportedly begun discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason plans with team executives after returning from an injury-hit campaign. While no direct details emerged about LeBron James’ future, reports suggest the Lakers are increasingly building around Dončić as their long-term centerpiece. The Slovenian star is also believed to support keeping Austin Reaves in Los Angeles, although former NBA center Brendan Haywood raised concerns about the duo’s defensive limitations. With LeBron approaching free agency and several roster decisions looming, the Lakers face a critical offseason.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce turned an nba playoff game into one of the internet’s biggest talking points after their courtside appearance went viral. Swift’s fashion and “face card” reactions dominated social media, while Kelce appearing to doze on her shoulder sparked a flood of memes online. Their candid chemistry, combined with several recent New York City outings, has kept the celebrity couple firmly at the center of online conversation beyond sports and music circles.

Victor Wembanyama is expected to sign a historic contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs worth more than $300 million after his dominant playoff performances continued in the Western Conference Finals. The 22-year-old produced 41 points and 24 rebounds in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, further strengthening his growing reputation as one of the NBA’s most unstoppable players. Insiders believe the Spurs will offer him a maximum extension loaded with award-based incentives tied to MVP, All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Josh Hart remains central to the New York Knicks despite offensive struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland’s defense, anchored by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, has consistently sagged off Hart, creating spacing issues for New York. After the Knicks mounted a dramatic Game 1 comeback with Landry Shamet on the floor, Hart addressed his late-game benching with humility, stressing that team success matters more than personal minutes.