The NBA conference finals are known » The titular champion remains the favorite to win a new title
Article by David Istrate – Published Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:21 p.m. / Updated Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:22 p.m.
On Sunday, May 17, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the series decider against the Detroit Pistons, 125-94, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. So, at this point, the finals of both NBA conferences are known.
There are only 3 series left to play in the 2025-2026 NBA season: the two conference finals and the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers, their second playoff series win in 7 games
in the west The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder will look to get past the San Antonio Spurs, a team that beat them multiple times in the regular season, to reach their second straight Finals. Instead, in the east, the New York Knicks will duel with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who needed 7 games both in the “quarters” and in the semifinals.
In the penultimate act of the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers faced off against the Detroit Pistons, the surprise regular season winner of the East. After the first 6 games, the score was equal, and the decisive match would be played in Detroit.
However, the visitors dominated, won all 4 quarters and won 125-95advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Leading the way for the win were Donovan Mitchell (26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds), Evan Mobley (21 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists), Jarrett Allen (23 points, 7 rebounds) and Sam Merrill (23 points). On the other side, Daniss Jenkins stood out (17 points, 5 assists).
NBA Conference Semifinals
West:
East:
So, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the old and new NBA MVP, have to overcome their “demons” in the regular season and get past the San Antonio Spurs, who have a real defensive and offensive anchor in Victor Wembanyama.
in the east The New York Knicks, in the conference finals for the second consecutive season, hope to prevail against the Cleveland Cavaliers and qualify for their first final since 1999.
