{"id":447738,"date":"2026-05-18T13:48:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/447738\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T13:48:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:48:26","slug":"starting-5-cavs-advance-conference-finals-tip-tonight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/447738\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Cavs advance; Conference finals tip tonight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cavs reach first East Finals since 2018 with 31-point Game 7 victory, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins second-straight Kia MVP on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Cavs advance in seven. Conference Finals set.<\/p>\n

East Finals: Cavaliers vs. Knicks
\nWest Finals: Spurs vs. Thunder<\/p>\n

Tipping things off tonight?\u00a0<\/p>\n

The first Playoff matchup of two 62+ win teams since the turn of the century, as back-to-back Kia NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC host Wemby\u2019s Spurs on NBC & Peacock (8:30 ET<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

The Next Step: Mitchell powers Cavs past Pistons in Game 7, sending Cleveland to East Finals<\/p>\n

Complete Cavs: Cleveland\u2019s supporting cast shines as Cavs break through together<\/p>\n

Cavs-Knicks: Two dynamic duos, two explosive offenses, one NBA Finals trip on the line<\/p>\n

SGA, MVP Again: Shai wins second straight Kia NBA MVP ahead of tonight\u2019s WCF Game 1<\/p>\n

Spurs Ready: Wemby & Spurs accelerate into West Finals, hungry for more<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

The NBA Playoffs<\/a> are down to four teams, with Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals tipping off tonight on NBC\/Peacock as the Spurs visit the Thunder (8:30 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Playoff<\/p>\n

1. CAVS WIN GAME 7 IN DETROIT, ADVANCE TO EAST FINALS<\/p>\n

\"Cavs<\/p>\n

They fell in the First Round in 2023.<\/p>\n

They fell in the East Semis in 2024.<\/p>\n

They fell again in the East Semis in 2025.<\/p>\n

But on Sunday night, the Cavs finally broke through \u2013 returning to the East Finals for the first time since 2018.<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 125, Pistons 94: Donovan Mitchell was clinical (26 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast), sparking a complete team effort as Cleveland never trailed after the opening minutes, outpacing Cade Cunningham (13 pts, 5 ast) and Detroit to take Game 7 on the road. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Exclamation Point: Not only did the Cavs punch their first East Finals in eight years, but they also became just the third road team in NBA history to win a Game 7 by 30+ points
\nAll Cylinders: Jarrett Allen (23 pts, 7 reb), Sam Merrill (23 pts, 5 3s) and Evan Mobley (21 pts, 12 reb, 6 ast) joined Mitchell with 20+ as the four Cavs combined for 93 points
\nSeizing Swing: Up five early in the 2nd quarter, the quartet fueled a 24-10 burst that stretched Cleveland\u2019s lead to 20. Detroit never got within 15 again, as the Cavs finally clinched an East Finals berth<\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

Mitchell\u2019s Message: The Cavaliers came into the last 3 postseasons with high hopes, but each time fell short of their expectations. The locker room knew it. Cleveland knew it. The critics knew it.<\/p>\n

Ahead of 2025-26, Mitchell didn\u2019t hide from those disappointments \u2013 he embraced them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re at a point now where it\u2019s just time to go get it,\u201d said Mitchell at Media Day in September. \u201cWe\u2019ve run into the same wall three times in a row \u2026
\n\u201cMentally, you could stop and quit \u2026 but are we willing to hit our heads against the wall \u2013 keep pounding, keep going as we continue to make this push? I believe we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

That belief has been tested repeatedly over the last two weeks.<\/p>\n

Seven games against Toronto in Round 1. A 2-0 hole against Detroit. A missed closeout opportunity at home in Game 6.<\/p>\n

But on Sunday night, the Cavs responded the way Mitchell believed they would \u2013 and it started with him.<\/p>\n

The Catalyst: Mitchell, ranked 7th all-time in Playoff scoring average (27.8 ppg), spent the 1st half dissecting Detroit as a playmaker, piling up 11 points and 6 dimes before the break \u2013 his most assists in a half this postseason
\nThe Closer: Then Spida took over himself, scoring 15 in the 3rd to spark a 35-26 quarter \u2013 putting Cleveland up 100-73 entering the 4th
\n\u201cHe was better than \u2018Donovan Mitchell\u2019 \u2013 is that possible?\u201d said coach Kenny Atkinson postgame.
\n\u201cIt started with him \u2026 when he gets in the paint and starts making people better \u2026 that was the key to the game. He had complete control.\u201d
\nThe Result: Sunday marked just the third time all season Detroit allowed 100+ points through the first three quarters, as Cleveland rolled to its largest Game 7 win in franchise history<\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

Now, the Cavs are back on the East Finals stage, and Mitchell \u2013 long established as one of this era\u2019s most dangerous Playoff scorers \u2013 is there for the first time in his career.<\/p>\n

And he\u2019s not done yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all about the belief in the locker room,\u201d said Mitchell on this Playoff run. \u201cI\u2019ve been a believer, we\u2019ve all been believers, since Day 1 \u2013 and we still got work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. COMPLETE CAVS: CLEVELAND TAKES NEXT STEP TOGETHER<\/p>\n

\"Cavs\"\/<\/p>\n

It takes one player to make a basket. But the entire possession stems from a collective effort, whether it comes via a turnover, a rebound or an assist that leads to a bucket.<\/p>\n

Individuals don\u2019t win games. And they don\u2019t win Playoff series.<\/p>\n

The Cavaliers proved in Game 7 that it truly takes a team.<\/p>\n

Historic Four: Cleveland became just the second team in the last 50 years to feature four or more 20-point scorers in a Game 7, led by Mitchell (26), Allen (23), Merrill (23) and Mobley (21)
\nReserve Roars: Merrill, who shot 5-for-8 from deep, also made individual history. His 23 points were the most by a Cav reserve in a Playoff game since bench points were first tracked in 1971
\n\u201cHe was unbelievable,\u201d said Atkinson of Merrill postgame. \u201cYou\u2019ve seen it all year: winner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Sam<\/p>\n

James Harden, now in his 17th Playoff run, has shouldered the scoring for other teams in the past, hoping to push them to championships.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t need to in Game 7. The 11x All-Star had nine points \u2013 his fewest this postseason \u2013 and still, Cleveland won by 31.<\/p>\n

Return Of The Beard: The Cavs\u2019 next series against the Knicks will be the fifth Conference Finals appearance of Harden\u2019s 17-year career, but his first since 2018
\nFirst Impression: On Feb. 7, after he made his debut with Cleveland, he realized that their ability to play as a unit is unique
\n\u201cI like how together they are,\u201d Harden said. \u201cThey\u2019re well-connected. They\u2019ve got the same mindset. They\u2019re very unselfish. I\u2019m just happy to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jarrett<\/p>\n

Allen and Mobley thrived offensively for 44 combined points, but made things happen on the defensive side of the ball, too.<\/p>\n

Board Brothers: The two combined for 19 rebounds, ensuring that possession remained in favor of Cleveland throughout the night
\nWrecking Crew: Together, they held Detroit to 34 points in the paint, which was its lowest this postseason since Game 1 of the First Round against Orlando
\n\u201cWhen we play with force on both ends, we\u2019re really tough to beat,\u201d said Atkinson postgame. \u201cTonight \u2026 that was the whole difference \u2013 our force.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. EAST FINALS FIRST LOOK: CAVS VS. KNICKS, QUICK<\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

The Eastern Conference Finals are set.<\/p>\n

Knicks. Cavs. Brunson & KAT. Mitchell & Harden. Hart, OG and the Garden. Allen, Mobley and the Land.<\/p>\n

New York heart vs. Cleveland grit.<\/p>\n

And for the first time, these franchises will meet with a trip to the NBA Finals at stake.<\/p>\n

Before we dive deeper into Tuesday\u2019s Game 1 (8 ET, ESPN), let\u2019s set the stage for an East Finals between two longtime rivals, decades in the making.<\/p>\n

Superstar Guards: Donovan Mitchell (27.8 ppg) and Jalen Brunson (25.6) enter the series as two of the game\u2019s most prolific Playoff scorers, ranking 5th and 11th, respectively, in all-time postseason scoring average (min. 75 GP)
\nDynamic Duos: Adding to the offensive power? Cleveland\u2019s James Harden, ranked 10th on the all-time Playoff scoring list, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who boasts an NBA-best 62 double-doubles this season (regular season & Playoffs)
\nWhat Awaits? Potential fireworks, as the Knicks (4th) and Cavs (6th) both ranked top-6 in regular-season OffRtg and are the top-2 scoring offenses, respectively, among all East Playoff teams this postseason<\/p>\n

\"Cavs-Knicks\"\/<\/p>\n

Little Separation: New York (No. 3 seed) and Cleveland (No. 4) didn\u2019t just finish one game apart in the East standings \u2013 they also played their season series nearly even, with the Cavs outscoring the Knicks by just five points across three matchups (344-339).<\/p>\n

Good To Be Home: However, New York claimed the season series 2-1, with the home team taking all three games, highlighted by the Knicks\u2019 17-point 4th-quarter comeback<\/a> at MSG on Christmas Day<\/p>\n

Tuesday\u2019s Game 1 will mark their first meeting at the Garden since the holiday thriller \u2013 now with an East title at stake.<\/p>\n

4. SGA WINS SECOND STRAIGHT KIA MVP AS GAME 1 OF WCF NEARS<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

For the second straight season, SGA is synonymous with MVP.<\/p>\n

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home the Kia NBA MVP Sunday for the 2025-26 regular season, making him just the 14th player to win the award in consecutive years and the sixth to do so at age 27 or younger. | Jeff Zillgitt On SGA\u2019s MVP Mindset<\/a> | SGA\u2019s MVP Seasons By The Numbers<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really after the success,\u201d SGA said Sunday on winning the award. \u201cThere\u2019s so many people in my life that sacrifice for me to just play this game \u2026
\n\u201c\u2026 That\u2019s really what it\u2019s about \u2013 making sure that when I\u2019m done, and I hang these shoes up, that I give everything I have to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

How did he get here? Relentless work, ruthless consistency and a rare two-way game that few other elite scorers have ever matched, writes NBA.com\u2019s Shaun Powell:<\/p>\n

None of this would be possible without the work. The constant repetitive drills to sharpen his release and his footwork have long paid off. His slick ability to create space from his defender \u2026 followed by a step-back and elevation made him a tough assignment for defenders\u2026<\/p>\n

Speaking of defense, his own ability to apply the clamps made Shai a certified two-way player. How many other big-time scorers in NBA history also carried high value as a defender? Michael Jordan comes to mind, obviously. But few others, if any.<\/p>\n

And this is where the conversation begins about Shai and where he fits in history. | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

SGA edged out Denver\u2019s Nikola Joki\u0107 (2nd) and San Antonio\u2019s Victor Wembanyama (3rd) for the award.<\/p>\n

Now comes an even greater challenge: leading OKC to a second straight NBA championship.<\/p>\n

Tonight (8:30 ET, NBC & Peacock), SGA and the Thunder open the West Finals against Wemby\u2019s Spurs in a rivalry showdown brimming with star power and championship stakes.<\/p>\n

OKC is 8-0 in the Playoffs, seeking the franchise\u2019s first back-to-back titles behind SGA
\nSan Antonio returns to the West Finals for the first time since 2017 behind Wemby \u2013 who\u2019s made history a nightly routine amid his first career Playoff run<\/p>\n

But this West Finals is more than a rivalry \u2013 it\u2019s a matchup between two young powerhouses, one fresh off its championship breakthrough and another rapidly emerging as a title threat of its own.<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

The first spark came in December, when San Antonio knocked off OKC in the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals \u2013 offering an early glimpse at a matchup that could evolve into something much larger.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a good chance,\u201d said SGA of this rivalry growing into something greater<\/a> after the loss. \u201cThey are young, really good, have a lot of talent \u2013 play the right way \u2026 so yeah, it\u2019s definitely a possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

That possibility quickly became reality, as San Antonio won three straight meetings against OKC in 13 days en route to a 4-1 season-series win \u2013 accounting for nearly a quarter of the Thunder\u2019s 18 losses.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you,\u201d said SGA after OKC\u2019s third loss to San Antonio on Christmas Day
\n\u201cSo we have to get better. We have to look in the mirror \u2026 if we want to reach our ultimate goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, the ultimate goal is on the line.<\/p>\n

Two of the regular season\u2019s top-three teams, led by two of the game\u2019s brightest stars, meet in an already elite rivalry with the potential to define the years ahead \u2014 with a trip to the NBA Finals at stake.<\/p>\n

Added OKC Boost: All-Star Jalen Williams, sidelined since April 22 with a hamstring injury, is listed as available for tonight\u2019s Game 1<\/p>\n

5. THE TIME IS NOW: WEMBY AND YOUNG SPURS READY FOR WEST FINALS<\/p>\n

\"De'Aaron<\/p>\n

The last time we saw a Playoff series between two 62+ win teams was in the 1998 NBA Finals, when Michael Jordan led the Bulls past the Jazz for their sixth title.<\/p>\n

The last time two 62+ win teams from the West met in the Playoffs? Fifty-four years ago, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar\u2019s Bucks faced Wilt Chamberlain\u2019s Lakers.<\/p>\n

Now, we have another.<\/p>\n

\"Chet<\/p>\n

While OKC is back in the West Finals for a second straight season, San Antonio\u2019s climb has looked different as it went from missing last year\u2019s postseason to standing four wins shy of the NBA Finals.<\/p>\n

The key? Victor Wembanyama and a fearless young core playing well beyond their years, writes The Associated Press\u2019 Dave Campbell:<\/p>\n

The Spurs weren\u2019t supposed to be this far along at this point in their development, entering the West Finals with confidence, momentum \u2014 and just about everything they need on the court except for significant Playoffs experience.<\/p>\n

\u2026Even though this group has logged only 11 Playoff games together, the Spurs clearly don\u2019t look out of their element on the big stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe nature of the Playoffs makes it that we\u2019re going to play against better and better teams. There was already a leap between the first and second round\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be probably an even bigger leap between the second and third,\u201d Wembanyama said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got guidance. We\u2019ve got a good coaching staff \u2014 the best, actually. So we can trust them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starting tonight in Oklahoma City. | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

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