2026 NBA Season

[bhadz]

6 minutes left and it's more than 10 points lead [112-99] by the OKC. While it's still doable to cover the lead but with that advantage from the OKC is likely going to make the lead for the standing of this series of OKC/Spurs.

Brian Windhorst is reporting that LeBron James is unwilling to take a pay cut in order to join the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There won't be any hope for a coming back home for LeBron through the Cavs then before he retires to his NBA career.

[Cointxz]

6 minutes left and it's more than 10 points lead [112-99] by the OKC. While it's still doable to cover the lead but with that advantage from the OKC is likely going to make the lead for the standing of this series of OKC/Spurs.

OKC finish the game by answering the same aggression Spurs putting on their 3 points.

Spurs has a very good rotation but what is missing is Wemby aggression on the 4th quarter unlike the previous game when he hustle the most of the 2nd half.

OKC is doing a good job checking on him while applying pressure with their offense. Mc Cain is unstoppable today which is so pesky to watch as a Spurs fan.

[passwordnow]

I think whoever takes this one will be the WC champion.

Not yet until the series is over but it's a great adjustment for whoever wins this game 5.

OKC Thunder are currently almost running away with the win tonight, early into the 3rd quarter the lead has ballooned to an 18 points advantage for the OKC Thunder, and aside not being as put together defensively as they were in Game 3, Wembanyama have not been really aggressive in the paint does far today, he's settling down way to easily behind the arc which is why the Thunder defense have been much more effective tonight.

That concludes the game 5 and they have the advantage as they only need to win 6 and this is done. But I don't think that Spurs won't allow that, this is what we like. A very close series for the west conference. A lot of outside attempts didn't go in. My bet has lost, and that's okay. Spurs did everything they can to win.

Mc Cain is unstoppable today which is so pesky to watch as a Spurs fan.

I like that guy lol, very fun to watch.

[LogitechMouse]

New York defeated Cleveland by 37 points in the fourth and final game, sweeping the series 4-0. Cleveland was swept in this round.

James Harden was largely invisible throughout the series. He played 33 minutes in this game but only contributed 15 points.

New York, on the other hand, is scoring very well as a team.
Jalen Brunson's scoring performance in this game was below my expectations.
New York will be rested and await their opponent in the finals.

Remember that phrase that Lebron did back when he was still in Cleveland. Now Brunson also did it, but instead of giving a title, they gave the whole Cleveland with a broomstick.

I don't want to dwell now with what happened with the series because we saw that the Knicks have the upper hand on that one. The question now is what's next for Cavaliers. I'm thinking of some things that they can do.

1. Trade Harden. For sure, he will opt in on his final year of his contract. If that happens then they can just trade him this off-season. The only question is after his performance in this playoffs, will there be any team that will have interest in him.
2. Trade Allen or Mobley. Just trade one of them because it seems like the 2-big set-up doesn't work with them. Mobley has a worse season compared to last year where he won the DPOY, and Allen? He might be a good rebounder, but he's not improving.
3. Fire their head coach. I think this is the best thing that they can do after how he let Harden play even though they're constantly hunting him because of how bad he is defensively. Coach Atkinson didn't adjust when it comes to Harden being awful on defense.

It's just a bit unfortunate that the season of the Cavaliers ended up like this. This has a low chance to happen, but we might see Mitchell requesting for a trade during the off-season or maybe mid-season depending on the moves of the team. As for the Knicks, they have more than a week to have a rest. I wonder though if they have a chance to defeat either one of them in the NBA Finals. The rest might have an effect on the first games though because they're fresher.

[OgNasty]

New York defeated Cleveland by 37 points in the fourth and final game, sweeping the series 4-0. Cleveland was swept in this round.

James Harden was largely invisible throughout the series. He played 33 minutes in this game but only contributed 15 points.

New York, on the other hand, is scoring very well as a team.
Jalen Brunson's scoring performance in this game was below my expectations.
New York will be rested and await their opponent in the finals.

Remember that phrase that Lebron did back when he was still in Cleveland. Now Brunson also did it, but instead of giving a title, they gave the whole Cleveland with a broomstick.

I don't want to dwell now with what happened with the series because we saw that the Knicks have the upper hand on that one. The question now is what's next for Cavaliers. I'm thinking of some things that they can do.

1. Trade Harden. For sure, he will opt in on his final year of his contract. If that happens then they can just trade him this off-season. The only question is after his performance in this playoffs, will there be any team that will have interest in him.
2. Trade Allen or Mobley. Just trade one of them because it seems like the 2-big set-up doesn't work with them. Mobley has a worse season compared to last year where he won the DPOY, and Allen? He might be a good rebounder, but he's not improving.
3. Fire their head coach. I think this is the best thing that they can do after how he let Harden play even though they're constantly hunting him because of how bad he is defensively. Coach Atkinson didn't adjust when it comes to Harden being awful on defense.

It's just a bit unfortunate that the season of the Cavaliers ended up like this. This has a low chance to happen, but we might see Mitchell requesting for a trade during the off-season or maybe mid-season depending on the moves of the team. As for the Knicks, they have more than a week to have a rest. I wonder though if they have a chance to defeat either one of them in the NBA Finals. The rest might have an effect on the first games though because they're fresher.

That series was ugly for sure. They went from maybe getting LeBron to take the veterans minimum to join the team and chase a ring, to him shutting that down the day after the series is over…

Bummer to see OKC win tonight. Still hope for the Spurs but it isn’t looking good.

OKC vs the Knicks would be the zestiest finals matchup in history.

[Harkorede]

OKC Thunder are currently almost running away with the win tonight, early into the 3rd quarter the lead has ballooned to an 18 points advantage for the OKC Thunder, and aside not being as put together defensively as they were in Game 3, Wembanyama have not been really aggressive in the paint does far today, he's settling down way to easily behind the arc which is why the Thunder defense have been much more effective tonight.

That concludes the game 5 and they have the advantage as they only need to win 6 and this is done. But I don't think that Spurs won't allow that, this is what we like. A very close series for the west conference. A lot of outside attempts didn't go in. My bet has lost, and that's okay. Spurs did everything they can to win.

I guess one could say what happened to the OKC Thunder in Game 4 was the same thing that happened to the Spurs in game 5, they struggled a lot with their shooting including Wemby, Fox, and Vassell, while the Spurs bench have never had to do the heavy lifting scoring the basket like we've seen with OKC Thunder.

I think the series is still pretty much in the balance here, and Spurs should be able to get the win back at home and force a Game 7 decider.

[tech30338]

OKC Thunder are currently almost running away with the win tonight, early into the 3rd quarter the lead has ballooned to an 18 points advantage for the OKC Thunder, and aside not being as put together defensively as they were in Game 3, Wembanyama have not been really aggressive in the paint does far today, he's settling down way to easily behind the arc which is why the Thunder defense have been much more effective tonight.

That concludes the game 5 and they have the advantage as they only need to win 6 and this is done. But I don't think that Spurs won't allow that, this is what we like. A very close series for the west conference. A lot of outside attempts didn't go in. My bet has lost, and that's okay. Spurs did everything they can to win.

I guess one could say what happened to the OKC Thunder in Game 4 was the same thing that happened to the Spurs in game 5, they struggled a lot with their shooting including Wemby, Fox, and Vassell, while the Spurs bench have never had to do the heavy lifting scoring the basket like we've seen with OKC Thunder.

I think the series is still pretty much in the balance here, and Spurs should be able to get the win back at home and force a Game 7 decider.

Second unit or bench players played a role in the Thunder win, they are the one pinning Spurs every time, they are the x-factor, while the spurs are cold in the field that is why there were unable to match the thunder energy, this could go down in game seven but the thunder have a chance to to finish the series at San Antonio home court but it will be difficult because the spurs will come blazing in the start, they just have to make sure they can hold on to the lead, thunder will surely make sure they can win.

[Cointxz]

Mc Cain is unstoppable today which is so pesky to watch as a Spurs fan.

I like that guy lol, very fun to watch.

Exactly if you are an OKC fan. He is a beast during the 2nd half like his shot keeps going in even if his 3point shot form is not that solid.

Without McCain having a hot hands I think Spurs can manage a comeback on this game since they already have the momentum when they are trying to have a quick 3 recovery.

Anyway, I still believe this will be a game 7. Coach Johnson will surely formulate a plan to counter this.

[Rustam Meraj]

Second unit or bench players played a role in the Thunder win, they are the one pinning Spurs every time, they are the x-factor, while the spurs are cold in the field that is why there were unable to match the thunder energy, this could go down in game seven but the thunder have a chance to to finish the series at San Antonio home court but it will be difficult because the spurs will come blazing in the start, they just have to make sure they can hold on to the lead, thunder will surely make sure they can win.

As primary stars are either resting or under much of defensive stress, it can be relief to have bench that can step in, increase defensive intensity and score immediately suffocating the enemy. San Antonio Spurs fully looked drained in attempt to keep pace with that unending speed which confirmed that brute power and depth are sometimes much more useful than sheer star power when series lingers. Sealing off series in home arena of opposing team is the test of ultimate mental maturity of a team. San Antonio will play with utter desperation as early as first whistle will blow since their whole season is at stake, and atmosphere will be totally unfriendly. Oklahoma City cannot afford to stutter or irresponsible turnovers during the first quarter. Assuming they manage to get through that emotional hurricane, be disciplined, and allow their depth to do all work in wearing down Spurs by the third quarter, they will thoroughly dishearten San Antonio and prevent unsafe game seven.

[danherbias07]

Exactly if you are an OKC fan. He is a beast during the 2nd half like his shot keeps going in even if his 3point shot form is not that solid.

Without McCain having a hot hands I think Spurs can manage a comeback on this game since they already have the momentum when they are trying to have a quick 3 recovery.

Anyway, I still believe this will be a game 7. Coach Johnson will surely formulate a plan to counter this.

He is the one big difference in that game. And so are the referees.

Too many questionable calls, especially in the 3rd quarter when the Spurs are trying to close the gap. One was the spicy, overlooked goaltending. Then, that outside obviously hit the foot of Chet. Oh, and when Coach Johnson is asking for a challenge, even when the ball is still in the referee's hand. It's not a clean win, but it's Jared McCain who truly made the difference and got the spotlight tonight.

The counter will be next. Spurs fans will also have a large impact in Game 6. It's a win-or-go-home situation and can possibly add more tension to the Spurs team. The fans will be a big help to bring confidence to the team, and I hope Coach Johnson can come up with a new way to defeat the Thunder.

I really don't like that play by Wemby where he throws the ball on the glass and tries to get it back for a follow. It's not working anymore. He keeps on doing it; it has become predictable.

[avp2306]

Mc Cain is unstoppable today which is so pesky to watch as a Spurs fan.

I like that guy lol, very fun to watch.

Exactly if you are an OKC fan. He is a beast during the 2nd half like his shot keeps going in even if his 3point shot form is not that solid.

Without McCain having a hot hands I think Spurs can manage a comeback on this game since they already have the momentum when they are trying to have a quick 3 recovery.

Anyway, I still believe this will be a game 7. Coach Johnson will surely formulate a plan to counter this.

McCain save their ass and if he didn't heat up, maybe Spurs would able to catch that lead seeing that they slowly gotten the momentum. Although Spurs lose today still they give wonderful performance for trying to fight back and have those great rallies.

If coach Mitch Johnson will adjust his defensive rotation and try to limit the hot stretches gotten by OKC, there's a chance that they can able to make this game reach at game 7.

The momentum now is on side of OKC and Spurs need to play more better to avoid getting eliminated.

[Cointxz]

Mc Cain is unstoppable today which is so pesky to watch as a Spurs fan.

I like that guy lol, very fun to watch.

Exactly if you are an OKC fan. He is a beast during the 2nd half like his shot keeps going in even if his 3point shot form is not that solid.

Without McCain having a hot hands I think Spurs can manage a comeback on this game since they already have the momentum when they are trying to have a quick 3 recovery.

Anyway, I still believe this will be a game 7. Coach Johnson will surely formulate a plan to counter this.

McCain save their ass and if he didn't heat up, maybe Spurs would able to catch that lead seeing that they slowly gotten the momentum. Although Spurs lose today still they give wonderful performance for trying to fight back and have those great rallies.

If coach Mitch Johnson will adjust his defensive rotation and try to limit the hot stretches gotten by OKC, there's a chance that they can able to make this game reach at game 7.

The momentum now is on side of OKC and Spurs need to play more better to avoid getting eliminated.

I’m curious on how the Spurs will adjust too since Wemby has slightly decreased performance today compared on previous matches. Also the biggest hurdle are those foul calls that kills the momentum for Spurs.

It’s hard to beat SGA in bubble wrap since any contact will result to foul especially if he is driving to the paint.

Spurs surely have a good offense that can dominate OKC. Their problem is their defense since they are being exploited due to unfair calls.

[Fredomago]

Second unit or bench players played a role in the Thunder win, they are the one pinning Spurs every time, they are the x-factor, while the spurs are cold in the field that is why there were unable to match the thunder energy, this could go down in game seven but the thunder have a chance to to finish the series at San Antonio home court but it will be difficult because the spurs will come blazing in the start, they just have to make sure they can hold on to the lead, thunder will surely make sure they can win.

As primary stars are either resting or under much of defensive stress, it can be relief to have bench that can step in, increase defensive intensity and score immediately suffocating the enemy. San Antonio Spurs fully looked drained in attempt to keep pace with that unending speed which confirmed that brute power and depth are sometimes much more useful than sheer star power when series lingers. Sealing off series in home arena of opposing team is the test of ultimate mental maturity of a team. San Antonio will play with utter desperation as early as first whistle will blow since their whole season is at stake, and atmosphere will be totally unfriendly. Oklahoma City cannot afford to stutter or irresponsible turnovers during the first quarter. Assuming they manage to get through that emotional hurricane, be disciplined, and allow their depth to do all work in wearing down Spurs by the third quarter, they will thoroughly dishearten San Antonio and prevent unsafe game seven.

That's the advantage when you have your core players and been assisted by role players who are capable to continue the intensity, looks like Spurs unable to answer back as OKC's defense and offense really outrun them, look like we will see a game seven as knowing Spurs they have their own capablities to adjust, playing at home might give them the boost that they need to chase for the win, though being the current champ also have that capabilities to upset the homecrowd, let see if what will going to happen on their next meetup.

[tech30338]

Second unit or bench players played a role in the Thunder win, they are the one pinning Spurs every time, they are the x-factor, while the spurs are cold in the field that is why there were unable to match the thunder energy, this could go down in game seven but the thunder have a chance to to finish the series at San Antonio home court but it will be difficult because the spurs will come blazing in the start, they just have to make sure they can hold on to the lead, thunder will surely make sure they can win.

As primary stars are either resting or under much of defensive stress, it can be relief to have bench that can step in, increase defensive intensity and score immediately suffocating the enemy. San Antonio Spurs fully looked drained in attempt to keep pace with that unending speed which confirmed that brute power and depth are sometimes much more useful than sheer star power when series lingers. Sealing off series in home arena of opposing team is the test of ultimate mental maturity of a team. San Antonio will play with utter desperation as early as first whistle will blow since their whole season is at stake, and atmosphere will be totally unfriendly. Oklahoma City cannot afford to stutter or irresponsible turnovers during the first quarter. Assuming they manage to get through that emotional hurricane, be disciplined, and allow their depth to do all work in wearing down Spurs by the third quarter, they will thoroughly dishearten San Antonio and prevent unsafe game seven.

That's the advantage when you have your core players and been assisted by role players who are capable to continue the intensity, looks like Spurs unable to answer back as OKC's defense and offense really outrun them, look like we will see a game seven as knowing Spurs they have their own capablities to adjust, playing at home might give them the boost that they need to chase for the win, though being the current champ also have that capabilities to upset the homecrowd, let see if what will going to happen on their next meetup.

Aside from having a good supporting cast the Thunder have another advantage the refs they seems to really have special treatment with this refs and I'm sure that the league can't control the refs because they have their own union and that is bad for business the refs could put the NBA at risk losing millions while they can get away with everything even rigging the game, I'm not saying they are rigging it , but  even if you are a spurs or thunder fans you can raise your eyebrow with such calls getting away, the NBA should fix this or the fans will eventually leave the league and loss millions because of this, what do you guys think?

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I’m curious on how the Spurs will adjust too since Wemby has slightly decreased performance today compared on previous matches. Also the biggest hurdle are those foul calls that kills the momentum for Spurs.

It’s hard to beat SGA in bubble wrap since any contact will result to foul especially if he is driving to the paint.

Spurs surely have a good offense that can dominate OKC. Their problem is their defense since they are being exploited due to unfair calls.

Wemby will have to be on fire just like in their last win in their homecourt. I remember him hitting a 3 in his second attempt on that game so that is a good sign that they are going to win and they did. But in this game, it was totally different, Thunder make it very physical again and obviously the calls by the referee, as it they are really bias and wanted the Thunder to win.

But the next game will be in their homecourt, and so I'm expecting that the fans are going to push Wemby and the Spurs to win. And then go with a do-or-die match up and winner going to the finals. So let's see what kind of adjustment the Spurs will do in game 6.

[Cointxz]

I’m curious on how the Spurs will adjust too since Wemby has slightly decreased performance today compared on previous matches. Also the biggest hurdle are those foul calls that kills the momentum for Spurs.

It’s hard to beat SGA in bubble wrap since any contact will result to foul especially if he is driving to the paint.

Spurs surely have a good offense that can dominate OKC. Their problem is their defense since they are being exploited due to unfair calls.

Wemby will have to be on fire just like in their last win in their homecourt. I remember him hitting a 3 in his second attempt on that game so that is a good sign that they are going to win and they did. But in this game, it was totally different, Thunder make it very physical again and obviously the calls by the referee, as it they are really bias and wanted the Thunder to win.

But the next game will be in their homecourt, and so I'm expecting that the fans are going to push Wemby and the Spurs to win. And then go with a do-or-die match up and winner going to the finals. So let's see what kind of adjustment the Spurs will do in game 6.

Yeah. Wemby play aggressively when on their home court probably due to morale boost and fairness on the referees call. However, he should overcome OKC on away games since those unfair ref calls will not go away given how OKC play to exploit the foul mechanics of the game.

Wemby 3 points is 0-5 on this game that shows how bad his perimeter shot on this game while he has less attack on the paint that makes Spurs offense weaken.

Their bench suddenly weaken especially Harper when Fox return to retain the PG spot most of the time.

[avp2306]

McCain save their ass and if he didn't heat up, maybe Spurs would able to catch that lead seeing that they slowly gotten the momentum. Although Spurs lose today still they give wonderful performance for trying to fight back and have those great rallies.

If coach Mitch Johnson will adjust his defensive rotation and try to limit the hot stretches gotten by OKC, there's a chance that they can able to make this game reach at game 7.

The momentum now is on side of OKC and Spurs need to play more better to avoid getting eliminated.

I’m curious on how the Spurs will adjust too since Wemby has slightly decreased performance today compared on previous matches. Also the biggest hurdle are those foul calls that kills the momentum for Spurs.

It’s hard to beat SGA in bubble wrap since any contact will result to foul especially if he is driving to the paint.

Spurs surely have a good offense that can dominate OKC. Their problem is their defense since they are being exploited due to unfair calls.

Wemby's offensive output decline and seems that defensive stops succeeds. Also what really affect Spurs a lot is the fouls they are giving to OKC.

But they need to do more better and adjust with situation. Since what they need is to tighten up their rotation and be more careful on risky contacts since this is how OKC exploits them.

Spurs have offensive capabilities to match up with OKC, the problem is those controversial calls of refs which could kill their momentum. But if they manage everything and perform more better on game 6, they can possibly stretch this series up to game 7.

[Russlenat]

Wemby's offensive output decline and seems that defensive stops succeeds. Also what really affect Spurs a lot is the fouls they are giving to OKC.

He is not really that consistent. He is supposed to be dominating inside because of his size, but it is not happening that way.

But don’t worry, I have a feeling this series is going to Game 7. If the refs give the favor back to the Spurs in Game 6, they will be allowed to play physical again and OKC might struggle with their offense. ^{I can already see the script here,} we are getting Game 7 because this series is too interesting to end early.

[meser#]

In San Antonio, Champagnie started the game very well and dominated the first quarter. I was expecting a very close game, but OKC started the third quarter very effectively. Towards the end of the quarter, the Spurs balanced the game.
Shai performed at his usual standard, but I think Wemby was ineffective in this game.
20 points is too little for him. His rebounding was also limited to 5.
Alex Caruso is particularly making his mark in this series. He stepped up with his three-point shots at the most critical moments.

OKC can win Game 6 and finish the series. That's how I feel.

[mirakal]

OKC can win Game 6 and finish the series. That's how I feel.

I like it, there is a possibility here, but I would still trust the home team because a Game 7 would also give the NBA a very good rating. This is the top 1 and top 2 team in the West playing, and although OKC is the better team since they are the defending champion, I still believe home-court advantage can be big because the crowd will get involved.

Sometimes we think the refs are favoring the home team, but maybe it is just the pressure of the crowd affecting the game. If OKC wins, I still see it as a very close game.