Round Two of the NBA Playoffs concluded on May 17, 2026. The games were wildly entertaining, and fans were treated to some outstanding basketball throughout the round.
The first series featured the Los Angeles Lakers facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder swept the Lakers 4-0 in dominant fashion. Oklahoma City was led by AJ Mitchell, who averaged 22.5 points per game during the series. The Lakers did a strong defensive job against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but ultimately it did not matter. The Thunder are now advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. As for the Lakers, they face major questions this offseason. LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent and could either leave the Lakers or potentially retire.
The next Western Conference series saw the San Antonio Spurs take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs were led by young superstar Victor Wembanyama, who averaged 22.8 points per game and used his incredible athleticism to impact every aspect of the game. Wembanyama also received major support from his teammates, especially Stephon Castle, who scored 32 points in the closeout game. As for the Timberwolves, fans are wondering if the team will try to add another star to help Anthony Edwards offensively. Minnesota failed to reach the Conference Finals after making it there the previous two seasons. Now, the Spurs will face the Thunder in a highly anticipated matchup.
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons in seven games. The Cavaliers were led by star guard Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 29.7 points per game. His co-star James Harden also contributed heavily, averaging 24.6 points per game. This will be the first Conference Finals appearance of Mitchell’s career, while Harden returns to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.
As for the Pistons, the team must find ways to improve its offensive spacing, particularly at the center position with Jalen Duren. Despite the loss, this season was still a major success for Detroit. Just two years ago, the Pistons finished the regular season with a 14-68 record. This year, they achieved an impressive 60-win season with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
The final Eastern Conference series featured the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks. The series did not live up to expectations, as the Knicks swept the 76ers 4-0 and dominated in nearly every aspect of the game. New York was led by superstar Jalen Brunson, who averaged 30.8 points per game. With the victory, the Knicks advanced to their second consecutive Conference Finals. Meanwhile, the 76ers will likely focus on getting healthy heading into next season.
Freshman Kayden Jones shared his thoughts on the playoffs, saying, “The Conference Semis were great to watch, and I’m really excited to watch the Spurs against the Thunder.”
Overall, the Conference Semifinals delivered exciting basketball, and fans can expect even more thrilling matchups in the Conference Finals.
