Samwise NBA Newsletter
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Brunson’s 33 Points Lead Knicks to 3-0 Series Edge Over 76ers
The New York Knicks moved within one victory of eliminating the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, defeating Philadelphia 108-94 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Jalen Brunson led New York with 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting, extending his franchise record to 24 career 30-point playoff performances as a Knick. After a slow start — shooting just 2-of-8 in the opening minutes — Brunson took over in the fourth quarter, sealing the result with crucial late baskets. OG Anunoby contributed on both ends as New York’s defense held Philadelphia under 100 points for the third consecutive game. Joel Embiid struggled to generate consistent offense against the Knicks’ physical interior defense.
Sources: NBC Sports, Yardbarker
Wembanyama Joins Kareem, Hakeem and Shaq with Historic 39-Point Playoff Effort
Victor Wembanyama delivered a landmark playoff performance Friday, posting 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-108 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Wembanyama became only the fourth player ever to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a playoff game, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He connected on 13-of-18 shots — 72 percent — the best floor percentage among the four legends. Wembanyama scored 16 of his 39 in the fourth quarter to seal a late Minnesota rally. The Spurs lead the series two games to one.
Sources: KSAT San Antonio, Olympics.com
Pistons Enter Game 3 in Cleveland with Commanding 2-0 Series Lead
The Detroit Pistons arrive in Cleveland for Saturday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals having dominated the top-seeded Cavaliers across both opening contests. Detroit won Game 1 by 111-101 and Game 2 by 107-97, holding a 2-0 series advantage. Cade Cunningham has averaged 24 points and 8.5 assists through two games, while Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson have provided consistent secondary scoring. The Cavaliers, undefeated at home this postseason, must leverage Rocket Arena’s crowd to reverse momentum. Donovan Mitchell’s offense needs to recover after a quiet Game 2, and Cleveland’s three-point shooting must rebound from a 7-of-32 showing to avoid a 3-0 series hole.
Sources: Yardbarker
Luka Doncic Remains Out Indefinitely as Lakers Face Thunder Without Their Star
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained on April 2 and said Friday there is still no clear timeline for his return during the Western Conference Semifinals. Doncic traveled to Spain for specialized stem cell treatment shortly after the injury and received platelet-rich plasma injections, but the original eight-week recovery timeline places his earliest potential return in late May. With the Oklahoma City Thunder leading 2-0 and games occurring every other day, there is little realistic chance of Doncic returning before the series concludes. His only path back this postseason would require the Lakers to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, ESPN
Jalen Williams Ruled Out for Game 3, Ajay Mitchell Steps In for Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams has been officially ruled out for Saturday’s Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers, extending his postseason absence to five consecutive games. Williams sustained a hamstring strain during the Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns and has not returned since. Despite losing their second-leading scorer, OKC won both opening games of the current series each by 18 points. Ajay Mitchell has started in Williams’ place, with Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a remarkably deep Oklahoma City rotation. Thomas Sorber is also unavailable, sidelined for the season with a knee injury suffered earlier this year.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Thunder Seek 3-0 Lead Tonight as Lakers Struggle Without Doncic at Home
The Oklahoma City Thunder visit Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, carrying a commanding 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. OKC won Game 1 108-90 and Game 2 125-107. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has directed the Thunder’s offense throughout the series, while Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks in Game 2. OKC went 6-0 against the Lakers during the regular season. Los Angeles must attempt a turnaround without Luka Doncic, still sidelined with a hamstring injury. LeBron James leads a Lakers squad that has struggled to find answers against OKC’s balanced attack.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yardbarker
Three Teams Share Best Odds as NBA Draft Lottery Set for Sunday in Chicago
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery takes place Sunday at McCormick Place in Chicago, beginning at 3 p.m. ET, coinciding with the annual draft combine. The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets each carry a 14 percent chance of winning the first overall pick, representing the three worst records from the 2025-26 regular season. The Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings tied for the fourth-worst mark and each hold an 11.5 percent shot at the top selection. The Atlanta Hawks have 9.8 percent odds and the Memphis Grizzlies 9.0 percent. The lottery determines the top 14 selections, with the remaining picks awarded in reverse order of regular-season records.
Sources: Hoops Rumors, Yahoo Sports
NBA Playoffs — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
Pistons vs. Cavaliers — Pistons lead 2–0
Knicks vs. 76ers — Knicks lead 3–0
Western Conference
Thunder vs. Lakers — Thunder lead 2–0
Spurs vs. Timberwolves — Spurs lead 2–1
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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