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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, May 27

Cason Wallace Steps Up as Unlikely Hero to Put Spurs on Brink of Elimination

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Cason Wallace has emerged as one of the Oklahoma City Thunder's unlikely heroes, playing a pivotal role in pushing the San Antonio Spurs to the edge of a postseason exit. Alongside teammates Alex Caruso and Jared McCain, Wallace’s contributions have allowed the Thunder to claw their way back to the top of the series. His performance in the high-stakes environment has been instrumental in shifting the momentum, proving vital to Oklahoma City’s success in this critical playoff stretch.

Kevin Durant’s First Season With Rockets Ends With Mixed Trade Reviews

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The Houston Rockets' 2025-2026 season review for Kevin Durant suggests a complicated legacy for the blockbuster trade. While the book remains open on whether the acquisition was a definitive win for the franchise, some observers are already looking toward the future and wanting to turn the page. The review examines Durant's impact on the team's performance and whether his presence met the high expectations set upon his arrival, as the organization weighs the long-term implications.

Jordan Walsh Solidifies NBA Role After Starting 25 Games for Celtics

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In his season exit interview, Jordan Walsh proved he belongs in the league after a breakthrough year with the Boston Celtics. Walsh cracked the team's rotation for the first time in his NBA career, ultimately starting 25 games and establishing himself as a reliable contributor. His development throughout the season has provided the Celtics with a promising young asset, marking a significant milestone in his professional growth as he transitions from a prospect to a rotation mainstay.

Tuesday, May 26

Struggles in Game 5 Loss as Rookie Card Sells for Record $5.11M

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Victor Wembanyama’s 1-of-1 Panini Prizm rookie card sold for a record $5.11 million, but the Spurs star struggled on the court, posting a series-low 20 points in a 127-114 Game 5 loss to Oklahoma City. With San Antonio facing a 3-2 deficit, coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the urgency to get Wembanyama going for Game 6. Despite previous 41 and 33-point outings, Wembanyama's performance was labeled an "egg" in a critical moment as the Spurs now face elimination in the Western Conference Finals.

Caruso Returns From Injury, Scores 22 in Game 5 Win

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Alex Caruso overcame an ankle injury to score 22 points off the bench, shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 127-114 Game 5 victory over the Spurs. His crucial contribution helped the Thunder secure a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, stepping up significantly amid absences of other starters. Caruso's resilience provided a vital boost as the team navigated roster challenges.

Rookie McCain Stars With 20 Points in Game 5 Start

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Rookie Jared McCain entered the starting lineup for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals and delivered 20 points in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 127-114 win against the Spurs. McCain started alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren due to injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. His poised performance in a high-stakes playoff environment was key to Oklahoma City taking a 3-2 series lead.

Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Slump With 32 Points in Game 5

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 32 points (7-19 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 16-17 FT), nine assists, two steals, and two rebounds in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 127-114 Game 5 win over the Spurs. This performance marked a significant turnaround after a shooting slump, helping Oklahoma City take a 3-2 series lead. His pivotal outing came as San Antonio dared him with single coverage.

Stephon Castle Paces Spurs with 24 Points in Game 5 Loss to Thunder

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Stephon Castle finished with 24 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), five rebounds, six assists, and three steals across 33 minutes during Tuesday's 127-114 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Castle's strong all-around performance led San Antonio in scoring, despite the team's defeat, as they now trail 3-2 in the series. He demonstrated efficiency from the field and beyond the arc, contributing significantly on both ends of the court against the Thunder.

Mitchell Out for Game 5 With Soleus Strain

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Ajay Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs due to a strained right soleus. His absence, alongside Jalen Williams being sidelined, forced the Thunder to adjust their starting rotation, with Jared McCain ultimately selected to start. Mitchell's injury adds to Oklahoma City's depth challenges in the series.

Holmgren Projected for Bounce Back in Game 5

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Chet Holmgren is set to start Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs. Computer projections suggest the rookie big man is poised for a more impactful performance after recent struggles. Holmgren remains a fixture in a shifting Thunder starting lineup that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jared McCain, and Lugentz Dort as the team manages multiple injuries.

Hartenstein Starts Game 5 Amidst Thunder Lineup Changes

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Isaiah Hartenstein is confirmed as a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. He will anchor the frontcourt alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jared McCain, and Lugentz Dort amidst lineup adjustments due to injuries to Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. The Thunder rely on Hartenstein's interior presence for this critical matchup.

Williams Ruled Out for Game 5 With Hamstring Injury

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Jalen Williams has been officially ruled out for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs due to a strained left hamstring. This marks his continued absence after missing Games 3 and 4. His sidelined status remains a significant blow to the Thunder's rotation, with his return timeline uncertain as the team navigates roster challenges.

Hart Celebrates Knicks' Finals Berth with Wine

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Josh Hart enjoyed wine at his post-game press conference after the New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the NBA Finals. The lighthearted moment reflected the team's high spirits. Hart's presence, alongside Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, contributes to the Knicks' championship aspirations. The Villanova trio understands the difficulty of their goal.

Bridges Key to Knicks' Championship Pursuit

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Mikal Bridges is a crucial player for the New York Knicks' championship aspirations, acquired as part of a strategy influenced by Jalen Brunson's contract decision. His presence, alongside OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, bolsters the team's chances. Bridges, along with fellow Villanova alums Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, forms a core group aiming for an 'almost impossible' title.

Brunson Named ECF MVP as Knicks Reach NBA Finals

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Jalen Brunson earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors, leading the New York Knicks to a sweep of the Cavaliers and their first NBA Finals appearance in decades. His leadership has drawn comparisons to Steph Curry. Brunson's stellar play and decision to forgo $113 million have been key to the Knicks' success. The team's Villanova trio, including Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, know their accomplishment is 'almost impossible'.

Will Not Start Game 5 of Western Conference Finals Against Spurs

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Cason Wallace will not be in the starting lineup for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Tuesday's Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. Despite injuries to other key rotation players like Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder have opted to go with Jared McCain in the starting unit instead. Wallace is expected to provide depth off the bench as Oklahoma City looks to navigate a pivotal matchup in the Western Conference Finals. His role remains vital as the team manages a depleted backcourt.

Phoenix Suns Consider Extending Dillon Brooks to Maintain Team Identity

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The Phoenix Suns are reportedly considering extending Dillon Brooks' contract, a move aimed at solidifying the team's new identity. Locking down Brooks, often referred to as 'the Villain,' is seen as a strategic decision to ensure the Suns stick to their established on-court persona. This potential extension highlights his perceived importance to the team's culture and defensive mindset, beyond just his statistical contributions, as they look to maintain their core.

Celtics Overcome Tatum's Extended Injury Absence as Mazzulla Wins COTY

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Jayson Tatum's significant injury absence this season was a central theme in Joe Mazzulla being named NBA Coach of the Year. Tatum missed most of the regular season, yet the Celtics managed to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and achieve an unexpected 56-win season. The team's ability to remain elite without their superstar forward, while also navigating the Kristaps Porzingis trade, highlighted the coaching performance that led to Mazzulla's first career Coach of the Year award.

Mitchell's Fantasy Value High; Discusses Contract Extension

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Donovan Mitchell remains a top second-round fantasy target despite the Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern Conference Finals sweep. He confirmed post-elimination that players are 'beat up,' indicating the toll of the playoff run. Mitchell loves it in Cleveland and stated, 'The city deserves a ring, and we just, we just got to keep going.' His draft stock is expected to remain stable.

Pelicans' New HC Aims to Unlock Zion Williamson's Playmaking

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New Orleans Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley stated his intention to unlock Zion Williamson's tantalizing talents, specifically focusing on developing his playmaking abilities. This strategic shift aims to maximize Williamson's impact on the court beyond his scoring prowess.