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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LeBron James admitted he is unsure about continuing his NBA career after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 41-year-old said he will discuss his future with family before making a decision. James added that staying committed to the daily basketball process will play a major role. The Lakers star is entering free agency this offseason after another strong season.

New York Knicks fans are worried about possible travel problems during the NBA Finals because Penn Station may limit access during FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. The overlap between World Cup games and possible Finals dates has sparked concern online, especially for New Jersey fans who depend on NJ Transit to reach Madison Square Garden.

Mitchell Robinson revealed he deleted social media and changed his phone number during the New York Knicks' playoff run, calling it “a new chapter” in his life. The move came before Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers as Robinson looked to sharpen his focus for the Eastern Conference Finals. On the court, Robinson contributed defensively in Game 1 but struggled at the free-throw line, leading Cleveland to repeatedly foul him during key stretches of the game.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift sparked another online storm after their courtside appearance during the Eastern Conference Finals went viral. Fans reacted strongly to Kelce chugging beer and celebrating wildly during the game, with some calling his behavior “immature” and “embarrassing.” Others defended the Kansas City Chiefs star for simply enjoying himself. Swift was also dragged into the backlash as social media debates over the celebrity couple intensified.

Jalen Brunson’s status against the Cleveland Cavaliers remains uncertain as fans wait for the Knicks’ official injury report. If he plays, New York’s offense becomes more dangerous and balanced. If he sits out, Cleveland could gain a major advantage defensively. Brunson’s availability may become the biggest factor in this important Eastern Conference matchup between two playoff-level teams.

Whispers of a rift between Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner have surfaced, primarily stemming from a misleading Instagram story. Rest assured, these assertions are mere fabrications. The couple, who have shared numerous stylish moments together, is thriving. Similar unfounded speculation from late 2025 was also offset by their undeniable connection during joint appearances.

Ayesha Curry recently shared photos and videos from a tropical Jamaica getaway while husband Stephen Curry continues enjoying his offseason after the Warriors’ early playoff elimination. The couple has spent recent weeks traveling and attending events, including Coachella in California, where Ayesha documented performances and family moments online. Curry’s offseason began sooner than expected after Golden State fell to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Play-In Tournament, ending a season in which the Warriors star still earned his 12th All-Star selection and continued adding to his remarkable career achievements.

Victor Wembanyama helped the Spurs tie the Western Conference Finals 2-2 after a dominant Game 4 win over the Thunder. However, the biggest moment came off the court when he comforted rookie Carter Bryant after coach Mitch Johnson strongly reacted to a turnover. The viral bench interaction showed Wembanyama’s leadership and caring side during an emotional playoff moment.

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to appear in 300 playoff games during the Lakers’ Game 2 matchup against the Thunder. The historic feat came during his 19th postseason run as he continues carrying Los Angeles without injured star Luka Doncic. James has remained productive throughout the playoffs, helping the Lakers reach the Western Conference semifinals.

Luka Doncic announced that he will not play for Slovenia this summer as he focuses on spending time with his daughters during an ongoing custody battle with former fiancée Anamaria Goltes. The decision came after the Lakers’ playoff exit against Oklahoma City. Doncic said family is his top priority right now, despite his strong commitment to representing Slovenia internationally.

LeBron James has emerged as a surprising offseason target for the Golden State Warriors following reports of a potential sign-and-trade scenario with the Los Angeles Lakers. The speculation comes as Golden State searches for one last championship push around Stephen Curry, while the Lakers increasingly build around Luka Doncic. James has not announced whether he plans to retire, leaving his future wide open heading into a pivotal NBA offseason.