“We just didn’t make shots. I love the looks that we got. Offensively, I’m not worried at all,” Mitchell stated during the post-game media session. He emphasized that there is no reason to panic despite the deficit, especially since Richard Jefferson already sent a warning to the Cavaliers about the defensive grit they would face in this specific series.

The Cavaliers‘ leader noted that the Knicks simply did their job by defending their home floor, and now the pressure shifts back to Cleveland to respond. “Nothing to hang our head about. They protected home court. We’ve seen this before so we gotta get Game 3. We’re not tired, we’re ready to go,” Mitchell added with a defiant tone.

Is it possible to win a conference series from 0-2?

History shows that overcoming a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Conference Finals is rare but not impossible, with only six teams ever achieving the feat. The 2007 Cavaliers famously did it against the Pistons, joining elite company like the 1993 Bulls, 1994 Rockets, 2012 Thunder, 2019 Raptors, and the 1971 Bullets who all roared back to win.

For Mitchell and the current Cleveland roster to join that exclusive list, they must find a way to protect their own home court starting with a high-stakes Game 3. The priority will be improving their perimeter shooting and finding creative ways to exploit the Knicks’ defensive rotations, which were nearly flawless during the opening two games in New York.

Tying the series at 2-2 will require Mitchell to take on a heavier scoring load while the supporting cast steps up in the rebounding department. If the Cavaliers can maintain the “ready to go” energy Mitchell promised, they have a legitimate chance to shift the momentum and turn this into a deep, seven-game classic.

“He has the ability to do things that we haven’t seen in our league ever,” James remarked during a Mind The Game interview. LeBron noted that Wembanyama‘s maturity is evident in his approach to the professional game, adding, “You could tell by the way he talks, you could tell by his demeanor, like you know he knows the game.“

James also pointed out the historical luck of the Spurs franchise in landing transformative big men throughout the decades. “San Antonio continues to get lucky as f— with these generational, talented, IQ, smart guys,” he said, specifically referencing the lineage that includes Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Is Wemby the future for the Spurs?

LeBron is particularly impressed by the “horse blinders” mentality Wembanyama shares with past Spurs legends, noting that for Victor, “the mission is the mission, and that is all that matters.” This dead-serious focus has already translated into historic production, with the young center averaging over 25 points and 11.5 rebounds in the 2025-26 season.

Wembanyama has almost single-handedly revitalized the San Antonio defense, leading the NBA in blocks and forcing opponents to completely abandon the paint. His ability to hit step-back threes at his height makes him a matchup nightmare that even a veteran like James admits is “pretty remarkable to see” in person.

If Wembanyama can continue this trajectory, he is expected to push the Spurs back into championship contention much faster than typical rebuilding timelines suggest. With the front office focused on surrounding him with elite playmakers, the “Wemby era” looks set to dominate the Western Conference for the next decade and beyond.

He has not played in consecutive outings after re-aggravating the issue earlier in the playoffs, leaving his availability dependent on pregame testing and swelling response. Mitch Johnson‘s team has taken a cautious approach with him.

The Spurs are expected to make a final decision close to tip-off, while the Thunder continue to adjust their defensive game plan around the possibility of facing or avoiding San Antonio’s primary perimeter creator.

How and when did De’Aaron Fox get injured?

De’Aaron Fox is dealing with a right ankle sprain that was aggravated during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, forcing him to miss multiple games for the San Antonio Spurs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

He originally picked up the injury during the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves and later re-aggravated it late in the postseason, which led to him being ruled out for Game 1 and also missing Game 2.

The Spurs have treated the situation as a day-to-day issue, but the recurring nature of the ankle sprain has made his availability highly uncertain heading into each game. Even after attempting pregame warmups, they ultimately decided to hold him out to avoid further risk during a tightly contested playoff series.

How has De’Aaron Fox been playing with the Spurs?

De’Aaron Fox has been one of the key offensive engines for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 playoffs, averaging strong production as a primary ball-handler and scorer when healthy.

He was consistently contributing across points, assists and transition creation alongside Victor Wembanyama. When on the court, he provides elite speed in transition and pressure in isolation situations.

When could De’Aaron Fox return to play?

De’Aaron Fox is considered day-to-day for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder, with his return depending on his response during pregame warmups.

The San Antonio Spurs have consistently labeled him as questionable rather than ruled out long-term, with medical staff evaluating him on a game-by-game basis depending on swelling, mobility, and pain tolerance.

Reports from ESPN indicate he has attempted light activity before games, but the team has held him out when he has not been fully comfortable pushing off explosively — a key factor in his role as their primary downhill creator.

If cleared,he would immediately reclaim his role as San Antonio’s lead perimeter initiator, especially important in a series where the Spurs have struggled with ball security and half-court creation in his absence.

Jalen Williams exited Game 2 in the first quarter with 1:34 remaining and never came back, and the update doesn’t sound good. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Williams will be evaluated day to day, game to game, with a left hamstring injury. He will undergo treatment, and his return will be determined entirely by how his body responds to the recovery process.

It sounds like Williams has a chance to be available for Game 3 on Friday, but it’s still unclear if he’s dealing only with soreness or another strain. If he’s unable to gut it out Friday, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain, and especially Ajay Mitchell would all be candidates for increased roles.

Something that already happened to Jalen

The main problem is that this is the second injury to the same hamstring in less than a month, making the situation considerably more uncertain than a typical medical report would indicate.

Williams originally suffered a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring in Game 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns, missing six games before returning for the series opener.

He played 27 minutes before the Thunder lost in double overtime, and his recovery seemed to be progressing well until Wednesday night, when Williams was receiving treatment on his left hamstring midway through the game, and the Thunder subsequently announced that he was ruled out for the remainder of Game 2 due to hamstring tightness.

Before the start of this season, Williams had already dealt with a wrist injury suffered during last year’s playoffs, in which they won the title, and he has now suffered three distinct hamstring injuries throughout the 2025-26 season.

Jalen’s numbers

Williams averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 48.4% shooting during the regular NBA season, and had scored 20 or more points in two of his three playoff appearances before Wednesday’s exit.

Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron argued that the Lakers weren’t necessarily outplayed strategically, but rather suffered from a severe talent disparity. “We were not outworked. We were not, you know, they didn’t out-physical us. They didn’t outsmart us. I feel like we were just out-talented, you know, by OKC. They just possess so much more talent,” LeBron told co-host Steve Nash during the episode.

While his comments initially read as a critique of the roster’s depth, they were directly tied to Doncic’s costly absence. The injury left the team entirely top-heavy, leaving Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, and LeBron himself to carry a shorthanded rotation against a dominant top-seeded Thunder squad.

Los Angeles simply lacked the counter-punches to match OKC’s deep rotation, which featured major contributions from breakout guard Ajay Mitchell alongside back-to-back MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, LeBron and the Lakers front office are forced to look ahead to a critical offseason defined by impending roster shuffles and free-agency departures.

LeBron weighs in on his looming free agency

Following their definitive series loss to OKC, speculation regarding James’ future has reached a fever pitch. Rumors are swirling across the league, fueled by fresh midweek reports indicating that LeBron plans to play one final season—though exactly which jersey he will be wearing remains a major question mark.

LeBron addressed the ongoing speculation on his podcast, emphasizing that he is in no rush to make a decision. “I’m just trying to relax on that situation. I haven’t really thought about it so far, and I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny… but I haven’t really gotten to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, and that’s kind of at the forefront of my mind right now,“ LeBron remarked.

Thunder facing injury uncertainty ahead of Game 3

As for the team that eliminated the Lakers, the Thunder find themselves in a dogfight in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. OKC bounced back with a crucial Game 2 victory on Wednesday night, successfully leveling the series as it shifts venues.

However, the victory came at a steep cost. Budding star Jalen Williams exited early in the first quarter with left hamstring tightness and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. It remains to be seen if the vital forward will be cleared in time for a pivotal Game 3 matchup.

“All the indications I have gotten over the course of the year is that he is going to play one more season,” ESPN‘s Shams Charania noted during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show when pressed about LeBron’s timeline.

Even his longtime agent and business partner, Rich Paul, was recently forced to address the mounting rumors, attempting to quiet the outside noise. Yet, as fans and analysts eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the 41-year-old superstar, LeBron himself has kept his cards close to his chest.

Following the Lakers’ season-ending playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron admitted he has yet to make a definitive choice regarding retirement, emphasizing that his ultimate decision will depend heavily on conversations with his family.

Top landing spots emerging for free agent LeBron James

With LeBron officially set to hit the open market in free agency, rumors are swirling regarding which teams will make an aggressive push to secure the NBA icon for what is widely expected to be his final run. Here is a breakdown of the top franchises linked to the superstar:

• Cleveland Cavaliers: According to Basketball Network, a return to Ohio for a final season—effectively mirroring Dwyane Wade’s legendary farewell tour with the Miami Heat—is increasingly viewed as the ultimate poetic ending to his historic career.
• New York Knicks: The Stein Line‘s Marc Stein revealed that LeBron could seriously consider a move to the Big Apple. Teaming up with Jalen Brunson would grant James a legitimate opportunity to chase a fifth championship ring on the hardwood of the world’s most famous arena, providing a massive narrative capstone to his legacy.
• Golden State Warriors: National pundits like Stephen A. Smith have routinely floated the Bay Area as a viable destination. If the Lakers’ front office fails to present a roster capable of immediately competing for a title, James could ultimately force his way to San Francisco to join forces with longtime rival Stephen Curry for one final, blockbuster championship run.

With the Lakers reportedly pivoting their long-term focus toward building a championship contender around Luka Doncic, anticipation is at an all-time high regarding James’ next move. Whether he opts for a nostalgic homecoming or a fresh championship pursuit, basketball fans around the globe are anxiously waiting to see where the King will stage his “Last Dance.”

As the Thunder battle the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, a recent breakdown from Forbes‘ Evan Sidery outlines exactly what it would take financially for OKC’s front office to pull off a monumental trade for the two-time MVP this summer.

“The Thunder only need to decline Isaiah Hartenstein’s team option this summer to become apron-compliant for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade: Bucks receive Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, 2026 1st and OKC receive Giannis,” Sidery reported via X.

Pairing a transcendent superstar like Antetokounmpo with newly crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—alongside surging depth pieces like Ajay Mitchell, whose breakout performance fueled OKC’s semifinal series win over the Los Angeles Lakers—could instantly transform the Thunder into an unstoppable NBA powerhouse next season.

Thunder’s rumored trade deadline pursuit of Giannis

Ahead of this past February’s trade deadline, Oklahoma City emerged as one of the premier suitors checking in on the availability of the ‘Greek Freak.’ However, while several teams across the league weighed massive offers, the Thunder internal brain trust took a distinct, calculated approach to a potential blockbuster deal.

According to reports from NBC Sports, the Thunder were hesitant to completely gut their historic treasure trove of draft capital for Giannis. Instead, OKC’s hypothetical package centered around a blue-chip young star, dangling Chet Holmgren as the crown jewel of the transaction. Ultimately, Milwaukee’s front office chose to block out the outside noise, opting to hold onto their franchise cornerstone for the remainder of the campaign.

Projected lineup: How Giannis fits in Oklahoma City

With speculation mounting that the two-time MVP is actively angling for a fresh start outside of Milwaukee, anticipation is building over what a revamped Thunder rotation would look like next season. Assuming general manager Sam Presti pulls the trigger on an offseason mega-deal, here is how Oklahoma City’s projected starting five shakes out with Antetokounmpo in the mix:

• PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• SG: Alex Caruso (or Luguentz Dort)
• SF: Jalen Williams
• PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
• C: Chet Holmgren

According to reports from The Smoking Cuban, current San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney has emerged as a top target for the Mavericks‘ vacancy, with the front office heavily prioritizing him to take the reins for next season.

However, several other high-profile candidates are also gaining traction in Dallas, according to AS USA. Former Mavericks assistant Frank Vogel, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori are all reportedly among the options being vetted for the position.

While the Mavericks remain focused on building their franchise around newly crowned Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, there is immense pressure on the front office to make the right hire. Meanwhile, rumors are already swirling about Kidd’s next potential landing spot as he looks to quickly transition back onto an NBA bench.

Kidd’s potential landing spots

Though Kidd walks away from Dallas with one year remaining on his contract—a lucrative buyout that should soften the blow—it appears he won’t be on the market for long, with multiple teams reportedly showing interest in his services.

According to Orlando Magic Daily, Kidd is being considered a strong candidate for the Orlando Magic’s head coaching vacancy. The Magic are searching for leadership after parting ways with Jamahl Mosley following a string of early postseason exits.

Additionally, a rumor linking Kidd to the Milwaukee Bucks has surfaced via FanSided, fueled primarily by his strong past relationship and connection with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A look back at Kidd’s tenure in Dallas

Despite missing the postseason in three of his five years at the helm, Kidd’s tenure was highlighted by a spectacular 2023-24 campaign. Led by Luka Doncic, that squad captured the Western Conference championship and fell just short of securing an NBA title.

Here is a closer look at Kidd’s overall coaching record and numbers with the Mavericks:

San Antonio is still holding out hope that the All-Star guard could return as the series shifts deeper into what many around the league expect to become a classic postseason battle.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters this week that the 28-year-old guard was going to be evaluated closer to tipoff, and despite appearing on court on Wednesday morning, he was ruled out minutes before the game.

What injury does De’Aaron Fox have?

De’Aaron Fox is dealing with right ankle soreness in this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs officially listed the All-Star guard as questionable after he missed Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, ánd then ruled him out for Game 2.

He suffered the ankle issue during Game 4 of the Spurs’ second-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. The injury has continued to bother him throughout the postseason, forcing the Spurs to closely monitor his workload.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson explained that the injury is unlikely to fully heal during the playoffs because of the short turnaround between games. Instead, the team has focused on treatment, recovery sessions and managing his pain level.

How long has De’Aaron Fox been out?

De’Aaron Fox has missed two playoff games because of his ankle injury. The Spurs guard sat out Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals after aggravating the issue during the previous round and then missed Game 2.

Before the injury, he had been one of San Antonio’s most important playoff performers alongside Victor Wembanyama. His absence immediately became one of the biggest storylines entering the Thunder series.

San Antonio still managed to steal Game 1 on the road despite Fox being unavailable. Rookie Dylan Harper stepped into a larger offensive role, while Wembanyama delivered a historic 41-point, 24-rebound performance in the double-overtime win.

Who starts for the Spurs if De’Aaron Fox is out?

Rookie guard Dylan Harper is expected to continue starting for the Spurs if De’Aaron Fox cannot play the series. Harper took on a major role in Game 1 and responded with one of the best postseason performances by a rookie.

San Antonio may also continue staggering Harper and Castle throughout the game to compensate for Fox’s absence as the team’s lead creator. The Spurs’ likely starting lineup without him would include:

• Dylan Harper
• Devin Vassell
• Stephon Castle
• Harrison Barnes
• Victor Wembanyama

What are De’Aaron Fox’s stats in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

De’Aaron Fox has been one of the Spurs’ most productive players during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Before his ankle injury, he played a major role in San Antonio’s deep postseason run through the Western Conference bracket.

During the playoffs, he has averaged 23 points per game, 6 assists per game and 5 rebounds per game. His speed in transition and ability to create offense late in possessions became especially important during the Spurs’ series wins.

Fox also developed strong chemistry with Victor Wembanyama after arriving in San Antonio. The duo quickly became one of the NBA’s most dangerous pick-and-roll combinations, giving the Spurs another elite offensive weapon.

Is De’Aaron Fox on a minutes restriction tonight?

The Spurs won’t have De’Aaron Fox for Game 2, meaning that a minutes restriction is not even necessary. However, San Antonio is expected to monitor his recovery carefully to see if he can return eventually in the series against Oklahoma City.

Fox entered the game officially listed as questionable, and head coach Mitch Johnson indicated the decision would largely depend on how the guard feels during pregame testing and warmups. Apparently, he was unable to feel completely comfortable to play.

Because the ankle injury is not fully healed, the Spurs could choose to limit Fox’s minutes beyond Game 2 or avoid overextending him during long stretches, especially after the exhausting double-overtime opener in Game 1.

He is trending toward playing and is officially listed as probable for the opener at Madison Square Garden. His potential return is a massive boost for a Knicks team chasing its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Before suffering the injury during the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the veteran forward had been one of New York’s best playoff performers, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks.

How and when did OG Anunoby get injured?

The injury occurred in early May when Anunoby appeared to grab at his leg during a defensive possession late in the game. He tried to briefly remain on the floor before eventually exiting and later undergoing medical evaluation.

Multiple reports confirmed the injury as a mild hamstring strain that forced him to miss the final games of the series. The Knicks were extremely cautious with him because of his previous hamstring history.

During the 2024 postseason, he also dealt with hamstring issues that limited him against the Indiana Pacers, so New York’s medical staff prioritized recovery ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals.

According to multiple reports ahead of Game 1 against Cleveland, he returned to full practice participation during New York’s extended break between playoff rounds. Now, the Knicks officially listed him as probable.

How has OG Anunoby been performing?

OG Anunoby has been one of the Knicks’ best two-way players during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. He was averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game during New York’s postseason run.

He also shot efficiently from the field and from three-point range while regularly defending the opposing team’s top scorer. His defensive versatility has become critical for the Knicks throughout the playoffs.

His offensive growth has also stood out during this postseason run. He scored at least 20 points in several playoff games before the injury and emerged as a reliable secondary scorer behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

OG Anunoby’s achievements with the NY Knicks

OG Anunoby has helped turn the Knicks into a legitimate Eastern Conference contender since arriving in New York. After being acquired from the Raptors during the 2024 season, he transformed the Knicks’ defense and overall identity.

One of his biggest accomplishments with the franchise has been helping lead the Knicks to the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals — the organization’s deepest playoff run in decades. They entered the series against Cleveland riding a seven-game playoff winning streak after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.

He has also become one of the Knicks’ most trusted players because of his ability to impact games without needing high shot volume. He regularly guards elite scorers, plays heavy minutes and contributes in transition, on the boards and as a perimeter shooter.

Jackson Flickinger of FearTheSword highlighted this strategic advantage on X, pointing to a dominant defensive trend that occurred during the regular season matchups between these two rivals. “Dean Wade has guarded Jalen Brunson in all three regular season games between the Cavs and Knicks,” Flickinger reported.

The data reveals a staggering level of lockdown defense that could fundamentally alter the Knicks‘ offensive game plan if it translates to the playoffs. “According to the NBA’s tracking data, Brunson has a combined 6 points on 1-15 shooting with two assists when Wade is his primary defender,” Flickinger noted.

Is it possible to stop Jalen Brunson?

Stopping Brunson in 2026 has been a task few have mastered, as the Knicks’ leader enters this series averaging 27.4 points and 6.1 assists per game across the playoffs. He was the driving force behind New York’s 4-0 sweep of the 76ers, where he maintained a blistering 52% true shooting percentage and proved he can carry the offensive load regardless of the defensive scheme thrown his way.

Brunson is the heartbeat of the Knicks, functioning as a high-level playmaker who can generate points at the rim or through a lethal midrange game. His importance was on full display in the semifinals, where he became the third player in franchise history to lead a sweep while scoring over 25 points in every game.

While Wade’s regular-season success offers a blueprint, the postseason version of Brunson is a different animal that thrives under maximum pressure. For Cleveland to secure Game 1, they will need Wade to replicate that “1-for-15” defensive intensity to prevent Brunson from putting the Cavaliers in an early hole.