2026 NBA Playoffs

Recap: Cavaliers tie series against Pistons, Thunder advance

Enjoy the best highlights from Monday's Playoff action, featuring Pistons-Cavaliers and Thunder-Lakers, with the NBA.com live blog.

Ben Lambert, for NBA.com

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Lakers Monday night.

Enjoy the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news and highlights from Monday’s action.

Donovan Mitchell (43 pts, 39 in the second half) went off to lead the Cavaliers to a 112-103 win over the Pistons, evening their Eastern Conference Semifinals series 2-2.

He tied Eric “Sleepy” Floyd for the most points in a half in Playoff history.

In the nightcap, the Thunder overcame a spirited effort from the Lakers to advance to the Western Conference Finals, winning 115-110.

What we know after Monday’s games:

  • The Pistons and Cavaliers will hook up again on Wednesday at 8 ET on ESPN.
  • The Thunder are headed to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season, boasting a perfect 8-0 record in the Playoffs. They’re the 11th team in NBA history to start their Playoff run with such a streak.
  • Postgame Pressers:

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:50 ET

Monday’s results

Evan Mobley (17 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, 5 blk) is your top performer of the night, followed closely by Donovan Mitchell (43 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl).

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:38 ET

One time for SGA

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:36 ET

Postgame Presser: Thunder-Lakers

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:24 ET

Thunder win 115-110

OKC ended the game on a 28-18 run, as the Lakers ran out of offense late.

“It was just fun basketball. Basketball at its highest form — crazy shotmaking,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 pts). “Hats off to both teams, but Thunder win.”

Ajay Mitchell (28 pts) set a new career high (regular season or playoffs) in the victory, while Chet Holmgren (16 pts, 9 reb) put in a pair of big slams late.

LeBron James ended season 23 with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 27 points, while Rui Hachimura added 25.

The Lakers committed 19 turnovers in defeat, leading to a 22-9 advantage for the Thunder in points off giveaways.

The Thunder tied the 1950 Minneapolis Lakers for the longest winning streak by a defending champion to open the Playoffs at 8-0.

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:18 ET

Thunder up three

After Isaiah Hartenstein found Chet Holmgren (16 pts, 8 reb) for a dunk to put the Thunder up one, LeBron James missed a floater in the lane.

SGA knocked down two free throws, giving OKC a 113-110 lead with 12.2 seconds left.

The Lakers’ season comes down to this.

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:13 ET

Lakers up one

110-109 with 40.9 seconds remaining, as Marcus Smart (5 pts, +11) converts an and-one layup with the shot clock winding down.

Smart’s been waiting for that sort of moment his entire career. In Boston, he was often the third or fourth option. There, he was all the Lakers needed.

MAY 12, 2026 / 1:09 ET

Trading big shots

107-103 Thunder with 2:27 to go, as both teams trade haymakers down the stretch, including back-to-back 3-pointers from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (33 pts).

“It’s a shootout here in the fourth quarter,” said Candace Parker.

“Locked in,” said Dywane Wade. “Let’s go.”

MAY 12, 2026 / 12:59 ET

McCain magic

92-all with 6:34 to go in the fourth quarter, as Jared McCain (13 pts) hits back-to-back 3-pointers to rally the Thunder.

Catch the finish on Prime!

MAY 12, 2026 / 12:42 ET

Lakers up 84-80 after three quarters

Austin Reaves (22 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast) has the Lakers in position to keep their season going on Prime, as the Lakers take a four-point lead into the fourth quarter.

LeBron James (17 pts, 10 reb) picked up the 147th double-double of his Playoff career, the third-most all time behind only Tim Duncan (164) and Magic Johnson (157).

MAY 12, 2026 / 12:24 ET

Lakers hanging around

69-63 Thunder with 4:47 in the third quarter, as Austin Reaves slashes to the rim to toss the alley-oop to Jaxson Hayes for a slam.

OKC’s been in control all night, owing in part to a 17-4 advantage in points off turnovers, but the Lakers keep scrapping.

MAY 12, 2026 / 12:01 ET

One time for Donovan Mitchell

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:52 ET

Thunder up 49-45 at the half

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (14 pts, 4 ast) leads Oklahoma City as they seek to advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season.

LeBron James (10 pts, 6 reb) rolled his ankle as the half drew a close, then walked gingerly to the locker room. We’ll be keeping an eye on his condition heading into the second stanza.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:46 ET

Analysis from an all-time great

46-41 Lakers with just over a minute to go, as Austin Reaves (14 pts) hits a tough floater in traffic.

“The thing I love about Austin Reaves is he takes you where he doesn’t want to go, to take you back to where he wants,” said Candace Parker, noting that he’ll dribble left, shifting the defender, to cut back right.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:35 ET

Thunder on a 17-0 run

Oklahoma City has locked down the Los Angeles offense in the second quarter, holding them without a point for more than six minutes to open the period.

LeBron James (8 pts, 6 reb) just hit two free throws to break the seal.

38-28 Thunder with 5:26 to go in the half.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:30 ET

Thunder role players carrying the day

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6 pts) and Chet Holmgren (0 points on 1 shot) have yet to really get going, but Caruso (9 pts) and Ajay Mitchell (8 pts) have helped pick up the slack.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:19 ET

Thunder start the second on 8-0 run

Alex Caruso (9 pts, 3-of-3 from 3-point range) is here to beat his former team. He’s been on fire to open tonight’s contest, showing his trademark hard-nosed competitiveness.

29-26 Thunder with 10:54 to go in the second quarter.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:14 ET

Lakers lead 26-21 at the quarter break

Los Ángeles closed the quarter on an 18-7 run, as Marcus Smart and LeBron James (6 pts, 6 reb) double-teamed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to force a turnover as the period expired.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:10 ET

Lakers and Thunder dueling

Austin Reaves (8 pts on 3-of-3 shooting) just lost Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the pick-and-roll, knocking down an open 3-pointer, followed by SGA responding by taking him to the basket with a graceful spin move and finish.

22-21 Lakers with just over a minute to go in the first quarter.

MAY 11, 2026 / 11:00 ET

Thunder lead, but Lakers hanging

14-11 Thunder with 6:13 to go in the first quarter, with Ajay Mitchell (4 pts) sparking Oklahoma City.

The Lakers have just enough to hang with the Thunder with their starting lineup on the floor, but need to find some depth. Can Luke Kennard win minutes against the defending champs?

MAY 11, 2026 / 10:49 ET

Postgame Presser: Pistons-Cavaliers

MAY 11, 2026 / 10:40 ET

Spida’s 39 second half points lead Cleveland

The Cavs take Game 4 112-103, as Donovan Mitchell (43 pts) went off in the second half.

“It was a pleasure to witness greatness,” said Grant Hill. “A phenomenal performance.”

Mitchell said he apologized to his teammates at halftime, then came out and sought to create advantages.

“I tried to make a statement in the second half,” said Mitchell.

Caris LeVert (24 pts) led the Pistons in scoring, while Cade Cunningham added 19.

The series shifts back to Detroit tied 2-2.

MAY 11, 2026 / 10:22 ET

Mitchell on fire

36 points in the second half for Donovan Mitchell — a new career-high — as the Cavaliers take a 107-88 lead with 4:36 remaining.

“A complete Spida explosion,” said Noah Eagle.

Indeed, Noah. He’s been unconscious this half.

MAY 11, 2026 / 10:01 ET

Cavaliers race away in a competitive quarter

90-77 Cavaliers entering the fourth quarter after a high-energy, entertaining quarter.

Donovan Mitchell (25 pts) went nuclear, with 21 points in the quarter, tying Kyrie Irving for the Cavs’ record for points in a Playoff quarter.

Paul Reed (13 pts, all in the quarter) almost matched him, and threw several behind-the-back passes in the process.

Max Strus and Duncan Robinson traded big plays, summoning ghosts of Miami Heat past, while Dennis Schröeder hit a crucial floater to change the momentum, despite the Cavs leading by 12 at the time.

Evan Mobley (13 pts, 3 stl, 4 blk) was everywhere defensively. Caris LeVert (22 pts) continued his efforts to swing this Playoff game against his former team.

Tune in to NBC and Peacock for the conclusion! These teams are getting to know each other, as Cleveland has the advantage, seeking to even the series.

MAY 11, 2026 / 9:52 ET

Paul Reed keeping the Pistons alive

BBall Paul (7 pts in seven minutes) has rallied the Pistons in the midst of this Cavalanche, cutting the lead to 80-68 with 3:12 to go in the third quarter.

He just went at Jarrett Allen, attacking from the perimeter to spin into a hook shot, then sinking it over the shot-blocking center. Pretty impressive.

MAY 11, 2026 / 9:45 ET

A 21-0 Cavaliers run

73-56 Cavaliers with 6:29 to go in the third quarter, as the Cavs continue their scoring streak.

It’s the largest run in Cavaliers postseason history.

MAY 11, 2026 / 9:39 ET

Cleveland rolling

68-56 Cavs with 8:16 to go in the third quarter, as James Harden (18 pts) and Donovan Mitchell (15 pts) splash back-to-back threes to force a Detroit timeout.

It’s a 16-0 Cleveland run to open the second half.

MAY 11, 2026 / 9:35 ET

Cavaliers surge into second half

Donovan Mitchell (12 pts) put up the first eight points of the quarter to the Cavaliers, sparking them to a 60-56 lead with just over ten minutes remaining.

A slow first half doesn’t mean a slow second half, especially if you’re a scorer like Spida.

MAY 11, 2026 / 9:18 ET

Pistons lead 56-52 at the half

Caris LeVert (17 pts) and Tobias Harris (14 pts, 9 reb) are leading the way for the Pistons, as they shoot 55% to take a four-point lead into the half.

“Just trying to take what was given to me,” said LeVert.

James Harden (15 pts, 6 ast) is hot for Cleveland, but Donovan Mitchell (4 pts, 1-of-8 shooting) has yet to get on track.

MAY 11, 2026 / 8:49 ET

Cavs on an 11-3 run

Sam Merrill knocked down a quick catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to give the Cavaliers a 32-31 lead with 8:48 to go in the second period.

On the possession prior, Max Strus (5 pts) stole the ball from Ausar Thompson and raced back for a jam.

The Cavs’ energy is picking up in front of their home crowd as they seek to even the series.

MAY 11, 2026 / 8:42 ET

Pistons up 24-21 after one

Caris LeVert (10 pts) is +14 so far for the Pistons, swinging momentum on the road for Detroit.

MAY 11, 2026 / 8:27 ET

Pistons rallying back

18-15 Cleveland with 5:18 to go in the first quarter, as former Cav Caris LeVert (5 pts, 1 ast) hits a 3-pointer to send us to a break.

LeVert spent three-plus seasons in Cleveland, averaging 12.5 ppg.

MAY 11, 2026 / 8:15 ET

Harden out to a hot start

El Uno (8 pts) is en fuego to start Game 4, knocking down two 3-pointers and getting to the line in the early minutes.

Harden (4,090) is 12th on the all-time Playoff scoring list, chasing Stephen Curry (4,147) for 11th. Jerry West (4,457) is 10th.

MAY 11, 2026 / 7:00 ET

Starting Lineups: Thunder-Lakers, Game 4

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers look to stave off elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight on Prime.

Los Angeles:

  • PG Austin Reaves
    • Reaves led the Lakers with 39 minutes played in Game 3. He’s a talented scorer, but needs to hold up defensively as best he can against the Thunder’s size and slashing ability.
  • SG Marcus Smart
    • Smart has held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to nine points on 3-of-7 shooting over 86.6 partial possession in this series, forcing three turnovers.
  • SF Rui Hachimura
    • Hachimura is shooting 58% from 3-point range during this Playoff run, including 5-of-8 from deep in Game 3.
  • PF LeBron James
    • James has been swept three times in his career — by the Spurs in the 2007 NBA Finals, the Warriors in the 2018 NBA Finals and the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
  • C Deandre Ayton
    • Ayton has been adequate at best so far in this series, and hasn’t outplayed Chet Holmgren in any game. Can he rally with the Lakers’ season on the line?

Oklahoma City:

  • PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
    • SGA is averaging 21.0 ppg in this series, deferring some to his teammates. 
  • SG Ajay Mitchell
    • That includes Mitchell, who had 24 points and 10 assists in Game 3 — both Playoff career highs.
  • SF Luguentz Dort
    • Dort has been reasonably effective on LeBron James, despite his size disadvantage, and scored 10 points in Game 3, his highest scoring game of this year’s Playoffs
  • PF Chet Holmgren
    • Holmgren’s size and shot-blocking ability are difficult for the Lakers to deal with — there’s no natural counter.
  • C Isaiah Hartenstein
    • Hartenstein (12 pts, 9 reb) is a consistent problem on the glass for the Lakers — every rebound he gets is a boost for OKC.

Can the Lakers find a boost off the bench? JJ Redick is running out of options.

He turned to Adou Thiero, who averaged six minutes in the regular season, for 13 minutes in Game 3. The 6’8″ wing gives the Lakers some size against the more physical, athletic Thunder.

MAY 11, 2026 / 6:30 ET

Starting Lineups: Pistons-Cavaliers, Game 4

James Harden and Cade Cunningham lead the Cavaliers and Pistons into tonight’s Game 4 on NBC and Peacock.

Cleveland:

  • PG James Harden
    • The Beard scored seven of his 19 points late in Game 3, showing his Playoff experience. Against a sizable Pistons squad, outside shooting and the floater are key to his success.
  • SG Donovan Mitchell
    • Mitchell had 35 points and 10 rebounds in Game 3 — his sixth Playoff double-double, and his third involving rebounds.
  • SF Dean Wade
    • Wade had three points in 17 minutes in Game 3, while Max Strus took most of the minutes at small forward. His size is useful against Cade Cunningham, but his lack of ability off the bounce hampers the Cleveland offense.
  • PF Evan Mobley
    • Mobley has not had a dominant game in this series yet, despite playing against a Pistons team that typically plays only one true big. Can he control the glass against this team?
  • C Jarrett Allen
    • Allen had 18 points on nine shots in Game 3, showing his skill as a roller. 

Detroit:

  • PG Cade Cunningham
    • Cunningham had a triple-double in Game 3 (27 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast), but required 27 shots to do so. The main way to slow the Pistons is to limit his efficiency.
  • SG Duncan Robinson
    • Robinson racked up five steals in Game 3 — the first such game of his career.
  • SF Ausar Thompson
    • Thompson has held Donovan Mitchell to 1-of-7 shooting so far over 61.6 partial possessions in this series. 
  • PF Tobias Harris
    • Harris kept up his clutch scoring in Game 3 with 21 points. After not putting up back-to-back 20+ point games in the regular season, he now has three straight in this series.
  • C Jalen Duren
    • Duren was -14 in Game 3, while backup Paul Reed was +11. Keep an eye on the minutes distribution in Game 4.

MAY 11, 2026 / 6:00 ET

Monday’s injury report

Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert are questionable for the Pistons, while Thomas Bryant is questionable for the Cavaliers.

Jalen Williams is out for the Thunder, while Luka Dončić is out for the Lakers.

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