{"id":226475,"date":"2026-05-10T19:38:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T19:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/226475\/"},"modified":"2026-05-10T19:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T19:38:18","slug":"unbeaten-okc-up-3-0-knicks-can-clinch-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/226475\/","title":{"rendered":"Unbeaten OKC up 3-0, Knicks can clinch today"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ajay Mitchell leads the Thunder and more from Saturday’s action.<\/p>\n

The reigning champs ran wild on the road.<\/p>\n

Down 2 at the break, OKC dominated the 2nd half for a 3-0 series lead and 7-0 postseason start.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

May 10, 2026<\/p>\n

Ajay\u2019s Day: OKC\u2019s Mitchell steals the show with career-highs as Thunder go up 3-0<\/p>\n

Cleveland Closer: Harden & Spida flex in the 4th as Cavs cut Pistons lead to 2-1<\/p>\n

Fiery 4th Quarters: Cleveland called on James Harden, while OKC ignited late in Saturday\u2019s can\u2019t-miss finishes<\/p>\n

Today On ABC: Beyond Brunson\u2019s scoring, Knicks getting back-to-back boosts from KAT & Bridges<\/p>\n

Tonight On NBC: Just seven games in, Wemby\u2019s comfort level in Playoffs is elevating his play<\/p>\n

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

Two Game 4s for the real MVPs of Mother\u2019s Day\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

NBA Draft Lottery: Before the Playoffs continue today, get set to settle<\/a> the order of picks 1-14 for the 2026 NBA Draft (3 ET, ABC).<\/p>\n

Sunday\u2019s Game 4s: The Conference Semifinals roll on, with a chance for New York to clinch and Minnesota trying to even its series at home:<\/p>\n

Playoff Hub: Get the latest news, analysis and stories from every series all in one place<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Happy Mother\u2019s Day to the Starting 5 fam!<\/p>\n

\"Playoff<\/p>\n

1. AJAY MITCHELL PLAYS HERO TO PUT OKC WITHIN A WIN OF WEST FINALS
\n\"Ajay<\/p>\n

Juan Ocampo\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Next man up. Next win secured.<\/p>\n

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander again hounded by the Lakers\u2019 defense, the Thunder plugged in another bench scorer to deliver a 3-0 series lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really could be anybody,\u201d Chet Holmgren said\u2026 \u201cWe know everybody\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Saturday night, Ajay Mitchell\u2019s number was called.<\/p>\n

Thunder 131, Lakers 108: Mitchell set Playoff career-highs with 24 points and 10 assists, netting 18 in the 2nd half to push OKC past L.A. and within a win of a second straight Western Conference Finals. Seven Thunder players reached double-digit points.<\/p>\n

Rui Hachimura (21 pts, 5 reb) hit five of his first six 3-point attempts to lead six Lakers in double figures, including LeBron (19 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast) and Austin Reaves (17 pts, 9 ast). | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Familiar First Half: OKC built up to a 10-point lead in the 1st half, but Hachimura\u2019s 4-for-4 start from long distance earned L.A. its second straight halftime lead of the series, 59-57
\nSlow Start: After Shai was 4-for-14 in the first half, Mitchell drilled OKC\u2019s second straight triple to open the 3rd, sparking a 15-4 run to put the Thunder up by 13 \u2014 and for good
\nAjay\u2019s On: Mitchell hit his first three shots of the 2nd half, scoring nine points apiece in the 3rd and 4th quarters as OKC pushed its lead as high as 27<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be a shock to the world but it\u2019s no shock to us,\u201d SGA said of Mitchell\u2019s outburst. \u201cWe knew who [he] was the day he set foot in our building, and he\u2019s just showing it to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"[<\/p>\n

Juan Ocampo\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cThe trust that I got from my teammates and the coaching staff, it\u2019s been amazing from day one,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cThat\u2019s the key.\u201d
\nClean 20\/10: Mitchell is the first player in OKC team history to log 20+ points and 10+ assists without a turnover in a Playoff game
\n\u201cHe\u2019s a gamer,\u201d Shai said of Ajay. \u201cWorks super hard, never shaken by the moment\u2026 He\u2019s just ready for his opportunity and takes full advantage of it.\u201d
\nTough Stretch: Shai (23 pts, 9 ast, 7-20 FG) finished with his highest-scoring game of the series but is scoring 10 fewer points per game (21.0) than his regular season average
\n\u201cIf the rest of the Playoff run or the rest of my career looked like what it looked like the past few games, I\u2019d be OK with it, because we won games,\u201d he said<\/p>\n

The defending champs are now 7-0 this postseason, becoming the sixth-ever reigning NBA champion to start the Playoffs 7-0 or better.<\/p>\n

Great Company: They join the likes of the 2016-17 Cavaliers (10-0), the 2000-01 Lakers (11-0), and the 1992-93 Bulls (7-0)<\/p>\n

L.A. will try to stave off elimination at home Monday night, hosting Game 4 (10:30 ET, Prime).<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still got life and that\u2019s all you can ask for,\u201d LeBron said. \u201cWe gotta be much better on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. HARDEN BRINGS HOME GAME 3 WIN FOR CAVS IN 2-1 SERIES<\/p>\n

\"James<\/p>\n

Nine points for Donovan Mitchell.<\/p>\n

Nine points for James Harden.<\/p>\n

Coming down the stretch in Game 3, Cleveland\u2019s closeout offense looked exactly as intended when Harden was added in February.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a balance,\u201d Mitchell said postgame. \u201c[He\u2019s the] attack, [I\u2019m] on the side\u2026 he hits a shot, I get free throws\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cleveland\u2019s choice resulted in victory Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 116, Pistons 109: Donovan Mitchell (35 pts, 10 reb) outdueled a triple-double from Cade Cunningham (27 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast) and James Harden (19 pts, 7 ast) and Max Strus came up clutch to help Cleveland cut Detroit\u2019s series lead to 2-1.<\/p>\n

The Cavs\u2019 win snapped the Pistons\u2019 five-game Playoff win streak. Tobias Harris (21 pts, 5 reb) provided a career-best eighth straight 20+ point game. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

After a back-and-forth start, Cleveland held Detroit to an 18-point 2nd quarter for a 64-48 halftime lead. The Pistons returned the favor with a 33-19 3rd to hit the 4th down just 2
\nCleveland Closers: That\u2019s where Mitchell and Harden logged 9 points a piece, with Harden netting the Cavs\u2019 final three field goals, after Strus grabbed a timely steal<\/a>-and-score. More on the 4th in Section 3 \u2b07\ufe0f
\n\u201cIt\u2019s James Harden. I am who I am, he is who he is,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cThat\u2019s what makes us so dynamic\u2026 Having the ultimate trust in him and vice versa is why those moments happen.\u201d
\nSpida Joins The King: Mitchell is now just the third player in Cavs history to put up 35+ points and 10+ rebounds in a Playoff game, joining LeBron James (21x) and Brad Daugherty
\nHarden History: Harden\u2019s heroics came in his 183rd career postseason game, passing John Stockton and moving into a tie<\/a> for 16th-most all-time with Byron Scott<\/p>\n

\"James<\/p>\n

Jason Miller\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The win keeps Cleveland unbeaten at home, now 5-0 at Rocket Arena this postseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cComing into their gym, they had energy\u2026 they\u2019re gonna make more shots,\u201d Cunningham said. \u201cBut I thought we did a good job of withstanding all that and still putting ourselves right there to win the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joining Zeke: Cunningham joined Isiah Thomas as the only players in franchise history to record multiple postseason triple-doubles
\n\u2026And Passing Him: Cade\u2019s third 25+ point, 10+ assist game of these Playoffs moved him past Thomas (1985) for the most such games in a single postseason in team history
\n\u201cThere\u2019s definitely optimism,\u201d Cade said. \u201cWe feel great about the way that we\u2019re playing basketball\u2026 We\u2019ll execute better and pull these games out in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cleveland has the chance to even the series 2-2 when Game 4 tips there Monday night (8 ET, NBC & Peacock).<\/p>\n

3. THEME OF THE NIGHT: 4TH-QUARTER FIREPOWER
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

David L. Nemec + Juan Ocampo\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Both of Saturday\u2019s Conference Semis Game 3s finished with grand finales.<\/p>\n

The Pistons and Cavs traded buckets back-and-forth in one of this postseason\u2019s most thrilling duels yet, while the Thunder put on an offensive showcase.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive deeper into these two fiery finishes, starting in Cleveland:<\/p>\n

Motor Running: Detroit was rallying on a 13-5 run, punctuated by Duncan Robinson\u2019s (15 pts) 3 to tie the game at 104-all with 3:14 left, the first tie since the 3rd
\nStrus Breaks Loose: Less than a minute later, Max Strus perfectly timed his leap to snatch Cade Cunningham\u2019s inbound pass, taking it all the way for a 2-point lead
\nClassic Closer: Harden then took over with under 2:00 to go, dropping in a stepback J from the elbow to double Cleveland\u2019s lead, 108-104
\nCunningham answered with a run to the rack, setting off a bucket-for-bucket duel<\/a> with The Beard, who then dropped a floater over Jalen Duren as the clock hit 1:00
\nThe Finisher: Cade followed that with a triple to pull Detroit within one, 110-109. But Harden dared to match it, splashing from deep for the game\u2019s final field goal at 113-109, capping his 7-point spree<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cGet a bucket. Simple,\u201d Harden said of his mindset in those final minutes. \u201cGet the best available shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even Cunningham had to appreciate the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s an all-timer,\u201d Cade said of Harden. \u201cThought we\u2019ve done a good job on him but\u2026 he did a great job finishing the game tonight, keeping us out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"[<\/p>\n

Adam Pantozzi\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The final frame of Game 3 in Los Angeles wasn\u2019t so much a definitive quarter \u2013 with OKC maintaining a double-digit lead throughout \u2013\u00a0but a 41-point statement.<\/p>\n

Final Flurry: OKC put L.A. away in the 4th with 63.0% shooting, hitting six of 11 triples (54.5 3P%) while also outrebounding the Lakers 14-5 for nine 2nd-chance points
\nFull Stormfront: Nine Thunder players scored in what was the team\u2019s highest-scoring quarter of these Playoffs, led by Ajay Mitchell\u2019s 9 points
\nRare Closeout: OKC only had one higher-scoring 4th quarter all season, a 45-point finisher Jan. 19 in Cleveland
\nFinish Line: Mitchell surged for those 9 points along with four assists and three rebounds before the 6 minute mark of the 4th
\n\u201cHe just lets the game tell him what to do but he maintains a certain aggression and confidence that\u2019s impressive,\u201d OKC coach Mark Daigneault said of Mitchell\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cHe blew the game open there.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. ON ABC: TOWNS & BRIDGES EYE SECOND STRAIGHT EAST FINALS FOR KNICKS
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Pamela Smith\/NBA E via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Six straight Playoff Ws have the Knicks one win from a return to the Eastern Conference Finals.<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson is averaging 28.2 points per game in that streak, trailing just Shai (28.3) and Cade (30.2) for the top scorer title in these Playoffs.<\/p>\n

But beyond Brunson\u2019s scoring, key contributions from two 2024 arrivals are helping the Knicks click at this crucial stage.<\/p>\n

The Blueprint: After back-to-back Conference Semifinal exits in 2022 and 2023, New York took two big swings to surround Brunson with size and length, in Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges
\nPoised Pair: In KAT and Bridges\u2019 first full Knicks season, the team advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years<\/p>\n

They look to make it two-for-two today in Game 4 from Philly (3:30 ET, ABC).<\/p>\n

Karl-Anthony Towns\u2019 evolution as a premier playmaker for New York has added a new dimension to a scorching offense.<\/p>\n

See KAT Pass: With seven more dimes in Game 3, the big man is leading the Knicks in assists this postseason with a Playoff career-best 56 total, at a clip of 6.2 apg
\nIn fact, he ranks fifth in total assists among remaining players in these Playoffs, trailing All-Star Tyrese Maxey, top-12 all-time dimers LeBron James and James Harden, and regular-season East assist leader Cade Cunningham
\nDay Job: In addition to his playmaking, Towns keeps up with his usual duties to fuel winning, grabbing four of New York\u2019s 13 offensive boards in Game 3, for a 20-11 edge in 2nd-chance points<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Adam Hagy\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

With OG Anunoby sidelined for Game 3, Mikal Bridges stepped up in the building he brought two NCAA championships back to, with his highest scoring outing of this series (23 pts).<\/p>\n

Taste of Victory: Bridges has ignited since Game 6 against the Hawks, averaging 20.5 ppg on 69.4 FG% over the last four games, compared to 7.2 ppg in the first five games of Round 1
\nDouble Duty: When squaring up as the primary defender on Maxey this series, he\u2019s held Philly\u2019s All-Star guard to just 10 shots, while forcing eight turnovers
\n\u201cThe best part that I\u2019ve seen about Mikal is, from the first time I met him to now, his work ethic,\u201d longtime teammate Brunson said. \u201cHow he\u2019s grown as a worker and how he\u2019s grown as a professional.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a familiar spot, Philly looks to climb back from a 3-0 deficit to its New York rivals, right after its 3-1 comeback against the arch-rival Celtics.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill a great challenge. You gotta go do it,\u201d Tyrese Maxey said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEither you don\u2019t play with any pride and you get swept on your home floor in the Second Round of the Playoffs, or you play with some pride and you win one game at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. ON NBC: WEMBY\u2019S COMFORT LEVEL IN PLAYOFFS ELEVATING SPURS
\n\"Kon<\/p>\n

David Berding\/NBA E via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama recorded his most complete performance (39 pts, 15 reb, 5 blk) of these Playoffs in Friday\u2019s Game 3 win.<\/p>\n

In just seven career postseason games now, Vic has displayed a rapidly-developed comfort level on the game\u2019s biggest stage, allowing him to better harness his explosive play.<\/p>\n

Built For This:\u00a0As he told Prime\u2019s NBA Nightcap Friday<\/a>: \u201cThe feeling I get before games, this excitement, this heat in my heart\u2026 gets stronger as the games go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

From his 35-point Playoff debut, to the 39-point clinic in Game 3 of the West Semis, here\u2019s Wemby\u2019s Playoff progression in his own words:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I stepped on the court, even for warmups, I felt the atmosphere was different,\u201d Wemby (35 pts, 5 3s, 2 blk) said after his debut win over Portland in Round 1
\n\u201cBut we\u2019ve been really good in the regular season, so we have no reason to act differently or do anything different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Wemby shot 13-18 in Game 3, his best shooting performance of these Playoffs, hitting three 3s after going a combined 2-15 in the series\u2019 first two games<\/p>\n

When his Spurs converted their first closeout opportunity to eliminate Portland, Wemby was ready for more:<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely a different feeling to win against somebody and think that their season\u2019s over\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cWe gained experience and I\u2019m still hungry for even better matchups.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the next matchup started with No. 6 Minnesota taking Game 1 of the West Semis, Wemby acknowledged lingering frustration that fueled a bounce-back Game 2:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere always is, and the Playoffs magnify that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Vic added 5 more blocks in Game 3 for a combined 19 in the series. He\u2019s held his opponents to 34.3% shooting at the rim, the best in these Playoffs, 4.2% better than the next closest player<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Wembanyama applied everything he\u2019s learned to Game 3 in Minnesota, resetting his career Playoff scoring high as the fourth-ever player to log a 35+\/15+ Playoff game with 5+ blocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a lead, we didn\u2019t need to rush\u2026 Rather than doing incredible things or amazing things, we needed to avoid mistakes.\u201d
\n\u201cIt\u2019s situations that we haven\u2019t really been in, or I haven\u2019t, but I know it\u2019s gonna happen in the Playoffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

That ability to anticipate is experience, accumulating in real-time. But San Antonio\u2019s one constant message has been how little experience matters to them:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t got the experience, but we don\u2019t care,\u201d Wemby said after Game 3<\/a>. \u201cWe can go to the very top if we play like tonight consistently.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Spurs\u2019 next chance to play like that comes tonight in Game 4 (7:30 ET, NBC & Peacock).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Wemby dominated down low in Game 3 with 20 points in the paint, helping San Antonio win that battle 46-38<\/p>\n

Speaking of comfort, Anthony Edwards (knee) made his first start of the series in Game 3, producing a 22-point 1st half and 32 overall points in 40+ minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel good,\u201d Ant told reporters postgame. \u201cI told coach: \u2018However many minutes you need me to play tonight, I\u2019m willing to do it.\u2019\u201d
\n\u201cHe needed that. We needed that,\u201d coach Chris Finch said. \u201cHe\u2019s battling back to find a game like this, and it couldn\u2019t have come at a better time.\u201d<\/p>\n