Samwise NBA Newsletter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Knicks Sweep 76ers With Record-Breaking Three-Point Barrage
The New York Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers 144–114 on Sunday to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. Deuce McBride, starting for the injured OG Anunoby, drained seven three-pointers and scored 25 points, going 4-for-4 from deep in the first quarter. New York shot 25-of-44 from three (56.8%), tying the NBA postseason record for most threes by a single team in one game. The Knicks also recorded 11 first-quarter threes, a playoff record. Jalen Brunson added 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart each scored 17. New York awaits the winner of the Pistons–Cavaliers series.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Mitchell’s Career Night Pushes Thunder to 3-0 Lead Over Lakers
Ajay Mitchell delivered career playoff highs of 24 points and 10 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Los Angeles Lakers 131–108 on Saturday, taking a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder have yet to lose in the 2026 playoffs, improving to 7-0 overall. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points and nine assists, while Chet Holmgren contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. Los Angeles led by two at halftime but was outscored 74–49 in the final two quarters. LeBron James managed just 19 points for the Lakers, who were outscored 54–32 in the paint. Game 4 is Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Wembanyama Ejected in Career First; Edwards Dedicates Win to Late Mother
Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his career after throwing an elbow into Naz Reid’s throat during the second quarter of Game 4, yet the San Antonio Spurs kept the Minnesota Timberwolves within reach until late. Anthony Edwards, dedicating Sunday’s Mother’s Day game to his late mother, scored 36 points — 16 in the fourth quarter — to lift Minnesota to a 114–109 win and even the series 2-2. Wembanyama managed just four points in 12 minutes before his exit. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called the physical treatment of Wembanyama throughout the series “disgusting.” Game 5 is Tuesday night in San Antonio.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Mitchell and Harden Combine for 54 as Cavaliers Claw Back Against Pistons
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while James Harden delivered three crucial late baskets as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116–109 on Saturday, cutting the series deficit to 2-1. Harden, who had been criticized after turnovers in the first two games, hit a step-back jumper, a floating seven-footer, and a step-back three-pointer in the final minutes to seal the victory. Mitchell surpassed 2,000 career postseason points, reaching the milestone in 73 games — tied for ninth-fastest in NBA history. Cade Cunningham recorded a 27-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double for Detroit. Game 4 is Monday night in Cleveland.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
OG Anunoby Hamstring Strain Clouds Knicks’ ECF Preparations
OG Anunoby sat out all four games against the Philadelphia 76ers with a right hamstring strain, but his absence barely slowed New York’s march through the second round. Anunoby had been averaging 21 points while shooting 63.8% from the field in his five playoff appearances before the injury and remains listed as day-to-day with no confirmed return date. The Knicks are optimistic the strain is minor, but face an uncertain timetable heading into the Eastern Conference Finals against either Detroit or Cleveland. Deuce McBride has capably filled the starting role, scoring 25 points in Game 4. New York’s medical staff will reassess Anunoby throughout the week.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Pistons and Cavaliers Clash in Must-Win Game 4 Tonight in Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday night, with Cleveland seeking to even a series the Pistons lead 2-1. The Cavaliers are undefeated at home during the 2026 postseason and will lean on Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to build on their clutch-time production from Saturday’s 116–109 Game 3 win. Pistons guard Kevin Huerter is listed as questionable due to a left adductor strain, which could affect Detroit’s wing rotation. Cade Cunningham has been exceptional for Detroit, recording a triple-double in Game 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports
Spurs Coach Calls Physical Treatment of Wembanyama ‘Disgusting’
San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson sharply criticized the officiating crew after Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, arguing that referees have consistently failed to protect Victor Wembanyama from excessive physical contact throughout the series. Johnson said the level of physical treatment Wembanyama receives is “disgusting,” noting that opponents impose their physicality on him on every possession without drawing fouls. He expressed support for Wembanyama learning to defend himself, while making clear he did not endorse the elbow thrown at Naz Reid. Wembanyama now faces a potential suspension ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday night in San Antonio.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports
NBA Playoffs — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs (4) Cleveland Cavaliers — Pistons lead 2–1
(2) New York Knicks def. (7) Philadelphia 76ers — Knicks win 4–0 ✓
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (4) Los Angeles Lakers — Thunder lead 3–0
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Minnesota Timberwolves — Series tied 2–2
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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