Although the Lakers held a slim one-point lead at halftime, the Thunder’s offense exploded in the second half, outscoring Los Angeles by 24 points over the final two quarters for a final score of 131-108.
Ajay Mitchell was the breakout star of the night, with a career-high 24 points and 10 assists, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each contributed 23 points to help Oklahoma City improve to 7–0 in the postseason.
Thunder vs. Lakers: what to know
What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 4
When: May 11, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
Channel: Streaming exclusive
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
If the Lakers win, the series will move back to Oklahoma City for a Wednesday night Game 5. If the Thunder win, they’ll advance into a second consecutive Western Conference Final against either Minnesota or San Antonio.
Thunder vs. Lakers start time:
The Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder game is scheduled to tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET tonight, May 11.
How to watch Thunder vs. Lakers for free:
Tonight’s Lakers game is one of the NBA Playoffs games streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch.
If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
May 9, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half of game three in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons had a chance to steal a win on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. They couldn’t pull it off. Instead of having a historically insurmountable 3-0 lead, now the Pistons are staring down the chance of an even series if they can’t pull off a win tonight. There was a lot that went wrong for Detroit in Game 3, and a lot that went right for the Cavs. But both sides of that equation also feel entirely repeatable. The Pistons are prone to error-laden balls, they struggle without Cade Cunningham on the floor, and the Cavs have premier talent in Donovan Mitchell. Every game has felt closer than it should have been, and it feels like any night could tip into blowout territory. Is tonight that night? Which side will that favor?
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Dennis Schroder #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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The San Antonio Spurs will have Victor Wembanyama in the middle when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5.
With Wemby crashing the glass, my same-game parlay takes San Antonio to win at home but also likes this Minnesota guard to knock down two or more triples.
Here is my best Timerbwolves vs. Spurs same-game parlay for Tuesday, May 12.
The San Antonio Spurs couldn't recover from Victor Wembanyama’s first-half ejection in Game 4 but did put up one hell of a fight. That’s something positive to take back to Texas. With Wemby in the paint, this defense gets back to pushing the Minnesota Timberwolves to the perimeter and dropping their effective field goal rate. The Spurs are 18-5 SU off a loss this season as well as 12-3 SU as double-digit home chalk.
SGP leg #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Wembanyama grabbed 15 rebounds in each of the first three games of this series and was on track for another repeat of that rebounding performance before getting ejected for an ill-intentioned elbow in Game 4. Prior to that, he posted 13 or more boards in a dozen of his past 15 outings overall, and with the T-Wolves struggling to get quality shots, his rebounding chances are soaring closer to 22.0 per game.
SGP leg #3: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
After Wemby got tossed in Game 4, the Timberwolves abandoned the outside shot at went at the rim. However, with the Spurs’ 7-footer in, Minnesota had taken 70 total triples the previous two games. Ayo Dosunmu was just 1 for 4 from distance in Game 4 after shooting 3 for 8 from outside in Game 3. With Wembanyama back in action, the T-Wolves get pushed to the perimeter, and Dosunmu is projected for at least two triples.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Timberwolves vs Spurs predictions for Game 5
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Victor Wembanyama will be in action for Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite giving Naz Reid a tracheotomy with his razor-sharp elbows.
The San Antonio Spurs star center avoided a suspension after being ejected in the first half of Game 4 for throwing a nasty elbow that would even make Ludacris blush.
With Wemby in the mix, San Antonio is double-digit home chalk, and my Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions go back to the well when it comes to Wemby and rebounds.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, May 12.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 prediction
Timberwolves vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds (-125)
Before getting the boot in Game 4, Victor Wembanyama had four boards on 9.0 potential rebounds in just 12 minutes. That opening effort put him on pace for another 15+ rebounding performance.
In the three games prior, Wembanyama snatched up 15 rebounds in each outing on almost 22 rebounding chances per game. Wemby has plucked at least 13 boards in a dozen of his previous 15 games prior to the Game 4 ejection.
With the series swinging back to San Antonio, Minnesota’s shooting could take a dip. That means more rebounding chances for Wembanyama, who is projected for as many as 15+ boards again.
Timberwolves vs Spurs bonus bet: Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes (+110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves shot nine of their 27 total 3-point attempts in the first quarter of Game 4. But when Wembanyama got bounced, the T-Wolves bailed on the outside shooting and attacked the unprotected rim.
Minnesota had shot 30 and 40 3PAs in the two games prior, so with Wembanyama clear of a suspension, expect the T-Wolves to get pushed back out to the perimeter in Game 5.
Guard Ayo Dosunmu went 1 for 4 from 3-point range in Game 4, which was a stark decline from his 3-for-8 effort from outside in Game 3. He missed Game 1 due to injury and was limited to only 10 minutes in Game 2, shooting 0 for 1 from distance.
In Round 1, Dosunmu averaged 2.4 triples on 4.4 3PAs and knocked down 1.8 makes from long range at a 44% clip during the regular season. His 3-point prop for Game 5 is offering great value on the Over 1.5, considering game script and projections at 1.8 3PMs.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5 same-game parlay
San Antonio showed a lot of fight after Wembanyama got tossed in Game 4. The San Antonio Spurs were able to go small and got excellent efforts from De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. That gives this team something to take back to San Antonio, where its 7-footer will patrol the paint and push Minnesota to the outside. The Timberwolves haven’t been great from beyond the arc in the series, shooting just 35% from deep. Those misses turn into long rebounds, which feed the San Antonio transition offense.
Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP
Spurs Moneyline
Victor Wembanyama Over 12.5 rebounds
Ayo Dosunmu Over 1.5 threes
Timberwolves vs Spurs odds for Game 5
Spread: Timberwolves +10.5 | Spurs -10.5
Moneyline: Timberwolves +325 | Spurs -425
Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Timberwolves vs Spurs betting trend to know
The San Antonio Spurs have gone Over their team total in 27 of their last 45 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Spurs.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 5
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Tuesday, May 10, 2026
Tip-off
TBD p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Timberwolves vs Spurs latest injuries
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9: The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As basketball fans, we know that there is no rest for the weary. Sure, the Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. But life and the playoffs go on. Here are the games for today, May 11, 2026.
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 10:30 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after dunking the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, including multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players with trade value. The following series will examine those decisions as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each.
Mark Williams. The acquisition came moments after the Phoenix Suns drafted Khaman Maluach, leaving many people confused. It was obvious Phoenix already had a deal lined up with the Charlotte Hornets before the draft even started. Then the Duke center falls into their lap at 10, and the Suns still execute the trade to acquire another Duke center anyway. A team that had almost no depth at center suddenly had plenty of it. They also had a built-in succession plan.
The question with Williams was always the same. Can he stay healthy? Because if he can, the skill set is there for him to be a quality starting center in the NBA. He rim runs. He has strong hands. He provides rim deterrence. The wingspan is massive. Above all else, he runs. The motor is real.
That’s what made this season important. The Suns essentially got a test drive. They acquired him on a $6.3 million contract with a team option, one they ultimately picked up, and now they have a clearer picture of what he is heading into restricted free agency.
So now comes the next phase of the Mark Williams conversation. Do you bring him back? And if you do, how much are you willing to pay?
I’ll start by acknowledging that Mark Williams had a good year for the Phoenix Suns. He exceeded expectations relative to games played, appearing in 60 contests and blowing past his previous career high by 15 games. When called upon, the production was there. He averaged 11.7 points on 64.4% shooting, adding 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Part of me still wonders what it could have looked like if the Suns leaned into him more offensively. It felt like whenever they involved him, the results were positive. Too often, the team drifted back toward perimeter-heavy basketball, and Williams’ overall numbers suffered because of it.
As the season wore on, the injuries piled up. We never saw him in the postseason, and that matters when discussing his value on the open market. Through the first 50 games of the year, Williams played in 45, and his value was climbing. Then the back half of the season reminded everyone what the risk is with him. Injuries are part of the equation. If you’re making the argument to keep Mark Williams, that has to be part of the conversation.
So why should the Phoenix Suns retain Mark Williams? I think it starts with the organization’s timeline. You have a young center in Khaman Maluach who will be 20 years old next season. The flashes are there, still, there’s a lot of development left in front of him. If you have the opportunity to build a buffer and support system around that development, it should be a priority. That’s where Williams comes in.
The key becomes the contract, and this is where Phoenix has leverage. Williams is a restricted free agent, meaning he can test the open market and see what teams are willing to offer. The Suns then decide whether they want to match. At the same time, Phoenix can use the threat of matching to push for a sign-and-trade if another team values Williams higher than they do.
Let’s use the Brooklyn Nets as an example. Say Brooklyn offers Williams three years, $60 million. Personally, I think that’s above where his value should land, and I’d imagine Phoenix feels similarly. At that point, the Suns have two options. Option one: let him walk. He heads to Brooklyn and earns $20 million a season. Option two: force the conversation into sign-and-trade territory. Phoenix tells Brooklyn that if they want Williams, they need to work with the Suns. Otherwise, Phoenix threatens to match the deal.
It becomes a high-stakes game of chicken. If multiple teams are bidding, Phoenix gains leverage. If only one team is truly interested, that leverage starts to disappear.
That being said, with his qualifying offer at $9.6 million, I think the Phoenix Suns would be smart to offer Mark Williams a three-year, $36 million deal, with the final season as a team option. It gives Williams security over the next couple of years and gives him runway to position himself for a bigger payday later if the health and availability continue trending in the right direction. It also gives Phoenix two more years, with the option for a third, to continue developing Khaman Maluach. That’s the priority here. If Maluach starts accelerating faster than expected, you can always move off Williams later, and that contract would be attractive to another team.
My guess is the Suns probably come in higher than that. Something closer to three years, $48 million, around $16 million annually. Hopefully, they build in that team option. Even at that number, I don’t know if I’d be upset. It might be a slight overpay. But if you’re viewing this through the lens of the next few seasons, it becomes a tradable contract if needed.
The goal for Phoenix right now is continuity and development, and bringing back Williams supports both. You still have to be financially responsible in how you approach it. At the same time, retaining him should be a priority. He’s a good player and an ideal bridge option before eventually passing the baton to Khaman Maluach when the time comes.
For those reasons, I think you keep Mark Williams.
Laker fans cheer during a slam dunk by LeBron James. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
It’s true that the arena feels more like a stage than a furnace. ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke commented on it just before tipoff of Game 3 between the Thunder and Lakers.
“Is this building remarkably quiet for a playoff game?” she asked Dave Pasch. She wasn’t wrong. But she wasn’t entirely right either.
A Lakers game doesn’t behave like other NBA arenas. It’s not meant to be a college-like atmosphere, or have a PA announcer yelling at the crowd what to do every second of the game.
Lakers fans cheering at Game 2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Former Lakers’ owner Jerry Buss always envisioned a Lakers game as a theatrical experience.
He wanted fans to experience a “show.” He added a live band, the Laker girls, and courtside celebrities. He dimmed the crowd lights low and put a spotlight on the court. He mixed basketball with Hollywood glamour, music and performance. He wanted you to feel like you were in “the hottest night club” in town.
It was a must-see event, and fans flocked to be seen.
And that is still the vibe to this very day.
Bad Bunny sitting courtside at a Lakers game. Getty ImagesMatthew Stafford and Kelly Hall watching a Lakers game. Getty Images
In OKC, the experience is engineered. A voice booms through the speakers, directing every emotional beat. “Stand up!” “Get Loud!” Chant “De-fense” on cue.
The arena is much smaller, the ceiling lower, the acoustics sharper. The sound has nowhere to go but down. Yes, it’s louder, and an exceptional atmosphere, but it’s also a lot different than LA for a reason.
In Houston, at the Toyota Center, they leaned on volume too—sometimes artificially.
The in-house sound system is the loudest we’ve ever heard. It’s constantly blasting music that rattles your chest and hurts your ear drums. But turn that music off and you’ll notice a half-empty arena for a playoff game with at least 40% of the fans in attendance wearing purple and gold.
When the Lakers go on a run, and the music stops playing, guess which fanbase you hear?
Once again the Toyota Center is half-empty at tipoff. The red you see are empty seats with t-shirts on them. For those in attendance, there’s a lot of purple and gold pic.twitter.com/oqppXrH33F
At a Lakers game, there is no conductor commanding the crowd or music to drown out everyone.
Lakers fans operate on instinct. They recognize matchups before they unfold. They sense momentum shifts like a change in the wind. When the moment demands it, the building responds organically. Not because it was told, but because it knows it has to.
Lakers fans watch a game from the sidelines. William Navarro-Imagn Images
During several sequences in Game 3, the referees didn’t blow the whistle on obvious fouls committed by the Thunder.
ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke commented on the atmosphere just before tipoff of Game 3 between the Thunder and Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
They knew the history of one of the worst officiated games ever seen in Game 2. “Refs you suck!” The sellout crowd chanted in unison. Minutes later, after Rui Hachimura drained a corner three, they chanted “Rui! Rui! Rui!”
That nuance doesn’t always translate on television.
It’s Leonard DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, and Noah Wyle.
Emmy Award-winning actor Noah Wyle with his wife Sara Wells clapping at a Lakers game. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Some celebrities are diehards. Some are guests. Some are there because a studio handed them a seat hours before tipoff to promote their new movie, show, or album. The result can feel detached through a screen.
But that’s only a fraction of the room.
Beyond the floor is a different audience.
Season-ticket holders who have been through every era of Lakers basketball. They know the playoffs are not a fashion show but a war of attrition. Fans will save for months just to sit in the upper bowl and cheer for four quarters. Tourists from all over the world come for the experience of seeing LeBron James and the Lakers in action.
But the Lakers are just one experience in a city that never stops moving.
Flea sticking out his tongue next to Melody Ehsani at a Lakers game. Getty Images
On any given night you can see the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers a few miles away. LAFC and LA Galaxy are kicking off down the street. There’s concerts, movie premieres, live shows. It’s a constant competition for attention.
OKC doesn’t have that problem. The Thunder are the main event in town. They are the only event in town.
So yes, Lakers fans can arrive late and leave early. Traffic will do that to you. They’ll take photos because everything in L.A. is a backdrop. And yes, they’ll even bet against their own team. But they’re also one of the largest and well-represented fanbases in the world.
The Lakers playoff atmosphere might not be the loudest in the NBA.
But it might be the most misunderstood.
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De’Aaron Fox has been listed as questionable for Game 5 on May 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with left ankle soreness. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center with the series knotted at 2-2.
The left ankle soreness is a new concern for Fox, who hasn’t missed a game since March 25. He played 37 minutes in Game 4 on Sunday, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the Spurs’ 114-109 loss. He only shot 8-for-23 and 1-for-7 from 3-point range.
Fox’s role, the player who can get into the paint and create when Wembanyama draws extra defensive attention, has been critical to San Antonio’s success this postseason. Over four second-round games, he has averaged 16.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals. In the first round against Portland, he put up 21 points and nine assists in the clincher, then went for 28 in Game 4 to help set up the close.
He has helped keep the Spurs offense moving when Wembanyama is being schemed against and San Antonio relies on him.
With the series tied and home court back on their side, the Spurs have a chance to reclaim control in Game 5. Doing it without Fox would put enormous pressure on Wembanyama and a supporting cast that has been inconsistent.
If Fox cannot play, Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson would likely see increased playing time. Harper posted 24 points on 72.7% shooting in Game 4 and has emerged as a reliable secondary creator. Johnson finished with just four points in 17 minutes.
San Antonio enters Game5 has heavy favorites. The series winner advances to the Western Conference Finals to face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder–Los Angeles Lakers series.
NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Danilo gallinari #8 of the New York Knicks shoots a three-pointer against Ron Artest #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers on January 22, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Just hours after Knicks fans collectively exhaled at the news that OG Anunoby had avoided a major hamstring injury, I got the opportunity to hop on a call with former Knick Danilo Gallinari.
Before getting into basketball, there was one thing worth acknowledging first: Gallinari had just won a BSN (Baloncesto Superior Nacional) championship. When congratulated on the title, he seemed pleasantly surprised that it was brought up, flashing a brief but unmistakably genuine smile before offering a quick thank you.
For a player whose NBA journey began in New York, it felt only natural to start with his first impressions of the Knicks organization and the city itself. “I didn’t know much about the organization,” Gallinari admitted. Relaxed and candid throughout the conversation, he explained how the franchise laid out its vision for the future after drafting him in 2008 before joking, “Obviously I didn’t stay long,” with a laugh.
His introduction to the NBA, however, came rather brutally. “When most people think about a welcome moment, it’s good,” Gallinari said. His was anything but. Even now, he recalled the week of February 1, 2009 in remarkable detail. First came Kobe Bryant, who walked into Madison Square Garden and dropped 61 points on the Knicks in what was then the highest-scoring game ever by an opposing player at the arena. Two nights later, LeBron James followed with 52 points, 11 assists, and what Gallinari still remembers as a triple-double, despite one rebound later being taken away.
For Knicks fans, those games remain burned into memory for all the wrong reasons. But for Gallinari, the welcome tour still wasn’t over. That Friday, the defending champion Boston Celtics came into the Garden and beat New York 110-100. More than anything, Gallinari remembered the awe of suddenly sharing the floor with the biggest stars in basketball night after night.
That experience, he explained later in the conversation, is part of what makes New York such a difficult place to play. “You got to be strong-minded,” he said. “New York is a tough place to play with tough fans, so you have to be able to take that.”
Because of how the latter stages of his career unfolded, it can be easy to forget just how productive Gallinari was at his peak. Across a 10-season stretch, the 6’10” forward averaged 16.7 points per game while building a reputation as one of the league’s most skilled offensive forwards. A player capable of handling the ball, shooting from deep, posting up smaller defenders, and attacking off the dribble, Gallinari was a very good player for a very long time.
Naturally, that versatility meant drawing some difficult defensive assignments. When asked about that, after pausing for a few seconds, Gallinari gave his answer decisively. “Metta World Peace.” Then came a few more names. “Tony Allen, Kawhi [Leonard], Draymond [Green]. They defended me well.”
The conversation eventually shifted from the NBA Gallinari entered to the one that exists today. At 37 years old and officially retired, Gallinari was asked whether there are any current players who remind him of himself.
“Cooper [Flagg],” he answered immediately before laughing. “He had a few more posters than I did as a rookie.” Gallinari pointed to Flagg’s versatility. His ability to handle the ball, shoot, and play multiple positions were all traits that he resonated with.
That naturally led to an interesting thought: what might Gallinari’s own career have looked like had he entered the league in today’s pace-and-space era? He agreed that today’s NBA may have suited him even more, though he was quick to credit his first NBA coach, Mike D’Antoni, for already implementing an early version of the modern game. That style, Gallinari explained, fit him perfectly.
Still, the funniest moment of the entire conversation came when discussing the differences between eras. “The money,” he said with a grin.
Beyond styles of play, Gallinari also reflected on how much the perception of international basketball has evolved since his initial years in the NBA. As one of the most successful international players of his generation, he has witnessed that change firsthand. “Just the global level has gotten so much higher,” he said. “It’s a bit easier now. When I came into the league, there were stereotypes.”
That comment stood out.
It wasn’t long ago that international prospects, particularly European ones, were often labeled as soft. Since then, though, those preconceived notions have slowly disintegrated, and the league has become increasingly dominated by international talent.
Gallinari has partnered with AT&T for the AT&T Dunk Bus, a traveling game-day experience designed to bring fans closer to the game and the league through live dunk showcases, NBA 2K competitions, and player meet-and-greets.
Gallinari spoke enthusiastically about the partnership and how it creates an interactive experience for fans before revealing one final detail with a laugh.
“I don’t know if AT&T knows this,” he said, “but I’ve been a customer of theirs for 18 years, so it’s a neat opportunity.”
During the Spurs’ Game 4 loss to Minnesota in their second-round series, Wembanyama was tossed with 8:39 left in the second quarter after whacking Reid in the face after fighting for possession.
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama commits a flagrant foul against Timberwolves center Naz Reid during Game 4. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Status alert: Victor Wembanyama has been ejected Sunday after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul. pic.twitter.com/G02YylonQE
The hard contact from the 7-foot-4 center sent Reid to the floor, though he was fine to continue playing and finished the game with 15 points in 31 minutes.
With Wembanyama sidelined for much of the contest, the Timberwolves took their chance to even the series, winning 114-109.
Anthony Edwards finished with a game-high 36 points, while Wembanyama was forced to leave the floor with just four points in 12 minutes.
While Wembanyama will be available to play in a pivotal Game 5, his wallet may take a hit as a result of his actions on Sunday.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he believes “there’s a chance” the reigning Defensive Player of the Year gets fined for his elbow.
Nonetheless, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson defended Wembanyama for sticking up for himself amid a perceived lack of protection by the referees from the Timberwolves’ physical play.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after he was ejected for a flagrant foul during the first half of Game 4. AP
“I’m glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, I want to be very clear about that,” Johnson told reporters.
“… But he’s going to have to protect himself if [the refs] are not. The amount of physicality that people play with, with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself.”
The Spurs will welcome Minnesota back to San Antonio on Tuesday night for a pivotal Game 5.
As Adou Thiero was standing in front of the scorer’s table at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City early in the second quarter of the Lakers’ Game 2 loss to the Thunder, a familiar face followed Thiero’s path with a message.
Luka Doncic, the team’s star player who’s been sidelined since April 2 because of a strained left hamstring, made the walk from his seat on the Lakers’ bench to the scorer’s table before putting his arm to Thiero.
“He just told me to go out there and play hard, just do what I do and don’t overthink anything,” Thiero said of Doncic’s message. “Just kept it simple and trying to lighten the pressure on me.”
Lakers rookie Adou Thiero has found himself in the rotation in Games 2 and 3 against the Thunder. NBAE via Getty Images
Thiero had a team-high eight rebounds in 13 minutes – five defensive rebounds and three offensive boards – and four points.
“[I] prayed for moments like these and worked for moments like these,” Thiero said, “Just to get that opportunity has been special; go out there and do what I can for the guys.”
After spending the majority of the season in the G League, Adou Thiero now finds himself defending the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the postseason. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Thiero has felt the shift in focus and energy during the 19 combined minutes he played in Game 2 and Game 3 compared to when he’d get playing time in the regular season.
“It’s definitely very intense,” Thiero said. “You got a loud atmosphere. Everybody is into it. Every possession, leave it all out there. It’s very intense. I felt the change in pace and everything as soon as I got out there.”
Thiero’s inexperience showed when he was called for a moving screen while trying to initiate a dribble handoff with Rui Hachimura late in the third quarter.
Or other moments when he passed up shots, with his energy and hustle masking the fact the No. 36 pick in the 2025 draft only played 149 minutes across 25 regular season games before the playoffs.
“They told me I did a lot of good things, but there’s still a lot of things I need to work on, which, granted, I haven’t gotten that many reps. But still gotta be disciplined with what we’re doing as a team and keep picking up our principles.”
But if the Lakers hope to compete with teams like the Thunder, or even the Spurs, in the future, they need to develop players like Thiero into quality rotation players.
Thiero had only played 149 minutes across 25 regular season games before the playoffs. NBAE via Getty Images
Thiero, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward who impresses with his leaping ability and athleticism, not only represents what the Lakers lacked for most of the season, but also an advantage the Thunder and Spurs have over the Lakers.
The Lakers have lacked inexpensive, younger talent that they’ve developed who can be counted on to step up when needed.
Austin Reaves was once that player, but is 27, now five years into his NBA career and is set for a big pay day this offseason.
Max Christie, who the Lakers drafted in the second round in 2022, was turning into that type of player before they included him in the trade for Doncic last winter.
Both of the Lakers’ draft picks from 2023, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis, are no longer in the NBA.
Their 2024 picks, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, have only played against the Thunder when the game results were essentially decided. James was in the rotation during the first round against the Rockets while Reaves was sidelined.
Selected with the 36th pick in the 2025 draft, the Lakers need to see if Thiero can emerge as a part of their rotation next season. AP
Compare that to the Thunder, who have multiple younger players on rookie scale contracts or inexpensive deals (Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell)) who have contributed to the 3-0 series lead they had going into Monday, and it’s clear the Lakers are missing out on an important factor for team building.
It’s why they need Thiero to get this playing time.
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Milwaukee.
The Bucks’ on-again, off-again relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo has entered a new chapter.
As was the case in February, when the Bucks ultimately decided to hold on to the Greek Freak, Milwaukee’s front office will reportedly be looking for a “young blue-chip talent” and/or a sizable package of draft picks.
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly “open for business” on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade calls once again AP
Antetokounmpo, 31, has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee and helped lead them to a championship in the 2020-21 season.
Talks between the two sides never materialized, as ESPN reported, while contenders like the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Celtics and Lakers are all said to have made calls on Antetokounmpo at this year’s deadline.
Antetokounmpo has just one more guaranteed year on his contract before a player option kicks in the following season.
Novak Djokovic (l.) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (r.) attend a EuroLeague game between Olympiacos Piraeus and Monaco in Athens, Greece on April 30, 2026. Euroleague Basketball via Getty
After Antetokounmpo reportedly expressed an openness to leaving Milwaukee last May, the team decided to hand a $108.7 million deal to Myles Turner in the summer to try to build a contender around their star player.
However, the Bucks never got going this season and looked to be heading for the exit with Antetokounmpo this winter.
That didn’t come to fruition, though, setting up for an awkward last few months of the season as the Bucks finished 32-50 and ultimately parted ways with coach Doc Rivers.
The Bucks will be juggling Antetokounmpo’s future with their plans for the NBA draft, after landing the No. 10 pick in Sunday’s lottery.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to complete a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in their Western Conference semifinals series. The defending NBA champion Thunder won the first three games by an average of just under 20 points. Oklahoma City will advance to the West finals with one more win. Oklahoma City is favored by 10.5 points with an over/under set at 214.5.
How to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers
Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers +406 (18.9%) / Oklahoma City Thunder -552 (81.1%)
Over/Under: 214.5
Series schedule, results
Game 1:Thunder 108, Lakers 90 Game 2:Thunder 125, Lakers 107 Game 3:Thunder 131, Lakers 108 Game 4: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles (Monday May 11, 10:30 ET, Prime Video) Game 5: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (Wednesday May 13)* Game 6: Oklahoma City at Los Angeles (Saturday May 16)* Game 7: Los Angeles at Oklahoma City (Monday May 18)*
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to even their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Detroit Pistons in Game 4. The Cavs won Game 3 after the Pistons took the first two games in Detroit. Cleveland is favored by 3.5 points. The over/under is set at 213.5.
How to watch Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers -167 (60.0%) / Detroit Pistons +140 (40.0%)
Over/Under: 213.5Series schedule, results
Game 1:Pistons 111, Cavaliers 101 Game 2:Pistons 107, Cavaliers 97 Game 3:Cavaliers 116, Pistons 109 Game 4: Detroit at Cleveland (Monday May 11, 8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 5: Cleveland at Detroit (Wednesday May 13) Game 6: Detroit at Cleveland (Friday May 15)* Game 7: Cleveland at Detroit (Sunday May 17)*
COVERS INTEL: Minnesota is dead last in 
