Samwise NBA Newsletter
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Harden Posts Career Playoff Best as Cavaliers Steal Game 5 in Detroit Overtime Thriller
James Harden scored 30 points — a career-best in the postseason — and Donovan Mitchell added 21 as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from nine points down in the final three minutes to defeat the Detroit Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, taking a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Evan Mobley contributed 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 39 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in a losing effort. Cleveland closed regulation on a 9-0 run to force overtime, then outscored Detroit 14-10 in the extra period to steal their first road win of the postseason.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Officials Defend End-of-Regulation No-Call in Pistons Loss; L2M Report Pending
Referee Tony Brothers explained Wednesday that no foul was called on Jarrett Allen with 1.9 seconds left in regulation because both players were simultaneously contesting a loose ball, ruling the leg contact incidental. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff strongly disagreed, stating Allen clearly tripped Ausar Thompson as he reached the ball first. Had a foul been whistled, Detroit — in the bonus — would have shot free throws with a chance to extend their 103-101 lead. Instead, the Cavaliers recovered and held on in overtime to win 117-113. The NBA’s Last Two Minutes report, which adjudicates end-of-game calls, is expected to review the sequence Thursday.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated
Optimism Grows That OG Anunoby Will Be Ready for Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals Opener
Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that the New York Knicks are optimistic OG Anunoby will be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Anunoby suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain in Game 2 of the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers, missing the final two games of New York’s sweep. He took part in portions of Wednesday’s practice without live contact and was seen shooting afterward. The ECF will not begin before Sunday, May 17, giving Anunoby at minimum ten days of recovery. The Knicks swept Philadelphia without him after he went down in Game 2, underscoring how deep their rotation has become.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Harden’s Career Playoff Scoring Record Arrives as Cavaliers End Their Road Woes
James Harden’s 30-point performance in Game 5 marked his highest scoring total across his postseason career, arriving at a pivotal moment with the Cavaliers having won only four of their previous ten road games this season. Cleveland entered Wednesday having lost all five away contests this postseason. Harden shot 10-of-16 from the field and added eight rebounds and six assists, orchestrating a 9-0 closing run in regulation that erased a nine-point Pistons advantage. Harden has now scored 20 or more points in four of five games this series, challenging the perception that his role had diminished heading into the postseason.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports
Robinson Doubtful, LeVert and Huerter Limited as Pistons Face Elimination Shorthanded
Detroit Pistons guard Duncan Robinson sat out Game 5 on Wednesday with lower back soreness and is considered doubtful for Friday’s Game 6 in Cleveland, according to ESPN. Guard Caris LeVert played 31 minutes with a right heel contusion while forward Kevin Huerter returned from a seven-game absence with a left adductor strain. The Pistons, who hold the Eastern Conference’s top seed, face elimination while already operating without key rotation depth. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff did not commit to timelines for Robinson or Huerter following the loss. If Detroit cannot close out the series Friday, Game 7 returns to Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, May 17.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
Fears Jr. and Gillespie Shine as NBA Draft Combine Scrimmages Open in Chicago
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmages began Wednesday in Chicago, with the majority of projected first-round prospects opting out per standard practice. Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was the standout performer in the opening session, recording 17 points and five assists while demonstrating vision and vocal leadership, qualities evaluators had flagged as strengths entering the week. Uncommitted wing Jakobi Gillespie scored 24 points in the first scrimmage half. Cameron Carr (projected top 30) and Dailyn Swain were the only top-30 prospects to participate. Scrimmages continue Thursday at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV, with interviews and individual workouts ongoing through the week in Chicago.
Sources: ESPN
Spurs Visit Minnesota Tonight for Game 6 With Fox Questionable and Western Conference Finals Spot at Stake
The San Antonio Spurs visit Minnesota for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinal series tonight at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video, holding a 3-2 lead and needing one win to advance to the Western Conference Finals. De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable with right ankle soreness and Dylan Harper carries a left knee designation. Victor Wembanyama posted 27 points and 17 rebounds in San Antonio’s 126-97 Game 5 blowout Monday and has been dominant throughout the series. The Timberwolves play without Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his Achilles in the first round and will miss the remainder of the postseason.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
NBA Playoffs 2026 — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
New York Knicks def. Philadelphia 76ers 4–0 — Knicks advance to ECF
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons — Cavs lead 3–2 (Game 6 Friday, May 15)
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder def. Los Angeles Lakers 4–0 — Thunder advance to WCF (8–0 overall)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — Spurs lead 3–2 (Game 6 Tonight, May 14)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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