Samwise NBA Newsletter
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Wembanyama Rebounds from Ejection, Dominates Timberwolves in Game 5 Rout
Victor Wembanyama delivered a statement performance Tuesday night, recording 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks as the San Antonio Spurs dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-97 in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The 22-year-old superstar, who was ejected for an elbow to Naz Reid in Game 4, erupted for 16 of San Antonio’s first 24 points in the opening six minutes. Keldon Johnson added 21 points, De’Aaron Fox scored 18, and Stephon Castle chipped in 17. San Antonio shot 53 percent from the field while holding Minnesota to 39 percent and leads the series 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday in Minnesota.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Mitchell Erupts for Historic 39 Second-Half Points to Level Cavs–Pistons Series
Donovan Mitchell authored one of the most remarkable individual performances in playoff history Monday night, scoring 39 points in the second half alone to tie an all-time postseason record and lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-103 Game 4 victory over the Detroit Pistons. After managing just four points in the first half, Mitchell detonated immediately after halftime, sparking a 24-0 Cleveland run. He finished with 43 points on the evening, tying a record set by Eric Floyd in 1987 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The comeback evened the series at 2-2 ahead of Game 5 Wednesday night in Detroit.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Thunder Complete Lakers Sweep, Reach Historic 8-0 Start to 2026 Playoffs
The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Los Angeles Lakers from the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Monday, winning Game 4 by a score of 115-110 to improve to 8-0 in the postseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points while Chet Holmgren delivered a tiebreaking dunk with 32 seconds left. Austin Reaves scored 27 and LeBron James contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds in what may have been the final game of his 23rd season. Oklahoma City became only the 11th team in NBA history to open a playoff run with eight straight wins and the first defending champion since the 2017 Cleveland Cavaliers to sweep their first two series.
Sources: ESPN, Sports Illustrated
Cavaliers and Pistons Meet for Pivotal Game 5 in Detroit Wednesday Night
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons meet Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, with the best-of-seven knotted at 2-2 after dramatic momentum swings. Detroit opened with back-to-back victories before Cleveland rallied, capped by Donovan Mitchell’s historic 39-point second half in Monday’s 112-103 Game 4 win. Cade Cunningham has anchored Detroit’s offensive attack throughout, while Cleveland’s ability to force turnovers has been crucial to the comeback. The winner advances to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the New York Knicks. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
OG Anunoby’s Hamstring Status Monitored as Knicks Prepare for Eastern Conference Finals
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby remains day-to-day with a right hamstring strain suffered late in Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers, though the Knicks swept the series in dominant fashion and now await their Eastern Conference Finals opponent. Sources told ESPN the injury is not considered severe, but his exact timeline heading into the conference finals remains unclear. In Anunoby’s absence, Deuce McBride started and starred in Game 4, draining seven three-pointers and scoring 25 points. New York’s extended break while the Cavaliers and Pistons conclude their semifinal series is expected to benefit Anunoby’s recovery prospects significantly.
Sources: ESPN, Sports Illustrated
LeBron James Says Future Undecided After Lakers Eliminated by Thunder
LeBron James left the door open on his NBA future Tuesday, telling reporters he needs time to recalibrate before deciding on a potential 24th season. The 41-year-old averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds in Game 4 against Oklahoma City but was swept out in the second round. His departure could reshape the Lakers’ offseason significantly, as Los Angeles might carry up to $47 million in cap space without him. Lakers president Rob Pelinka publicly stated the organization would welcome James back if he elects to continue, while also expressing strong intent to re-sign Austin Reaves. A decision is expected before free agency opens in July.
Sources: HoopsHype, Yahoo Sports
Knicks Post Most Dominant Two-Round Postseason Run in NBA History
The New York Knicks are rewriting NBA playoff history heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, having outscored opponents by 194 points across 10 games through two rounds — the best point differential in a 10-game playoff span in league history. New York’s 19.4-point average margin of victory is the widest through two rounds since the NBA adopted a 16-team playoff format in 1984. The Knicks finished their sweep of Philadelphia with a 144-114 blowout, tying the postseason record with 25 three-pointers and setting a franchise scoring record. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart have been the core contributors throughout.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
NBA Playoffs — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
(2) Knicks vs. (7) 76ers — Knicks win 4–0 ✓
(1) Pistons vs. (4) Cavaliers — Series tied 2–2 (Game 5 tonight)
Western Conference
(1) Thunder vs. (4) Lakers — Thunder win 4–0 ✓
(2) Spurs vs. (6) Timberwolves — Spurs lead 3–2 (Game 6 Thu.)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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