NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder top Pistons in OT
Tue Mar 31 3:02am ET
Field Level Media
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points to lift the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-110 overtime win over the short-handed Detroit Pistons on Monday in a matchup of conference leaders.
Gilgeous-Alexander opened overtime with a step-back jumper, found Alex Caruso for a corner 3-pointer with just more than a minute remaining and then hit six free throws in the final minute. Oklahoma City won for the 15th time in 16 games.
Detroit was short-handed, playing without its top five scorers, but the Pistons stayed in the game in large part due to a 16-4 advantage in second-chance points.
The Pistons, who got 21 points and 10 rebounds from Paul Reed, had their two-game winning streak snapped.
Spurs 129, Bulls 114
Victor Wembanyama continued his brilliant play by racking up 41 points and 16 rebounds while helping host San Antonio to a victory over Chicago in a late-season interconference clash.
The Spurs won for a league-leading ninth straight outing and kept pace with Oklahoma City in the hunt for the best record in both the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole. It was Wembanyama's third game with 40 or more points this season. Stephon Castle added 21 points for San Antonio while Keldon Johnson scored 15.
Tre Jones led Chicago with 23 points. Leonard Miller added 21 off the bench, Collin Sexton had 20, Guerschon Yabusele hit for 15 points and Matas Buzelis finished with 12 for the Bulls, who have already been eliminated from the postseason.
Heat 119, 76ers 109
Tyler Herro hit two key 3-pointers, Bam Adebayo recorded a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double in a head-to-head with Joel Embiid, and Miami came on strong down the stretch to turn back visiting Philadelphia.
Herro finished with a game-high 30 points and Pelle Larsson added 20 for the Heat, who moved into a virtual eighth-place tie in the Eastern Conference with Orlando.
Embiid had a team-high 26 points and Tyrese Maxey 23 for the 76ers, who remained in seventh place in the East but saw their lead over the Heat and Magic cut to 1 1/2 games.
Hawks 112, Celtics 102
Jalen Johnson collected 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists as Atlanta extended its home winning streak to 13 games with a victory over Boston.
Atlanta received 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists from Onyeka Okongwu, plus 18 points from Dyson Daniels. The Hawks have won 16 of their past 18 games.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but he shot 9 of 29 from the field and committed six turnovers. Luka Garza added 20 points and nine boards for the Celtics, and Payton Pritchard finished with 16 points.
Suns 131, Grizzlies 105
Devin Booker scored 36 points while playing just three quarters and Jalen Green added 21 points and six boards as visiting Phoenix trounced Memphis.
The Suns won their second straight by closing strong, outscoring the Grizzlies 40-16 in the final quarter. The Suns were dominant in the paint, where they scored 68 points.
Memphis got 17 points off the bench from Tyler Burton but lost for the 14th time in 16 games. Cam Spencer scored 16 on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 success from long range.
Lakers 120, Wizards 101
LeBron James posted the 125th triple-double of his career while leading Los Angeles to a comprehensive win over visiting Washington.
James compiled 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to become, at 41 years, 90 days, the oldest player to notch a triple-double, surpassing his own record of 41 years, 79 days. It was his third triple-double of the season. Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard contributed 19 points apiece for the Lakers, who have won 15 of their past 17 games.
Will Riley scored 20 points, Justin Champagnie added 18 and Tristan Vukcevic had 14 for Washington, which has lost 19 of its past 20 outings.
Cavaliers 122, Jazz 113
Evan Mobley scored a season-high 34 points, collected a season-high 17 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead Cleveland past Utah in Salt Lake City.
Donovan Mitchell added 34 points to help the Cavaliers win their fifth consecutive road game. James Harden dished out a game-high 14 assists to go along with 13 points, and The Cavaliers outscored the Jazz 82-40 in the paint.
Kyle Filipowski tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals to lead Utah. Cody Williams added a team-high 26 points for the Jazz, who have lost six straight games and 10 of their past 11 contests.
Timberwolves 124, Mavericks 94
Ayo Dosunmu recorded his second career triple-double, finishing with 18 points, a career-high 15 rebounds and 12 assists to lead Minnesota to a road rout of Dallas.
With All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards coming off the bench and limited to 22:37 of playing time in his return from a knee injury, Dosunmu stepped up to shoulder some of the offensive load. Rudy Gobert posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle netted a game-high 24 points.
Daniel Gafford led Dallas with 21 points on 9-of-11 field-goal shooting, while Rookie of the Year hopeful Cooper Flagg was held more than eight points below his season-long scoring average with 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting from the floor.
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Detroit Pistons guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) and guard/forward Caris LeVert (heel) have been cleared to play in Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Both players were listed as questionable on the initial injury report. Robinson and LeVert combined for 22 points and five assists off the bench in Game 6. Having filled significant roles in the rotation, they'll need to stay productive on Sunday if the Pistons are to reach their first Conference Finals since 2008.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) will be in the lineup on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's been cleared for Game 7 after initially being considered questionable for the contest due to an adductor strain. Duncan Robinson (back) and Caris LeVert (heel) have also received the green light to play, meaning Huerter isn't expected to have a significant role on Sunday. He was also active in Game 6 but didn't leave the bench.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus will start Sunday's Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has decided to tweak his starting unit for this crucial clash, replacing Dean Wade with Strus. Wade has been very quiet throughout the series and finished scoreless in Games 4 and 5. Strus also started a pair of games during the first-round series against Toronto. He's averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds with 38.2% three-point efficiency in the playoffs. A starting role makes Strus a more attractive DFS option on Sunday.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (illness) won't be in action on Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons. He will sit out a second consecutive contest due to illness. Nance Jr. has averaged just 2.5 minutes across two postseason games, so he's simply been a warm body on the bench. His absence won't affect Cleveland's rotation. The starting frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley should carry a heavy workload in Sunday's do-or-die matchup.
San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (foot) is considered questionable for Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The veteran big man has been added to the injury report due to left foot soreness. Kornet, who's reached the Conference Finals for the fourth time in five years, has done a good job as San Antonio's backup center. He's averaging 5.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16.5 minutes per game this postseason. While losing Kornet from the rotation would be a blow to San Antonio, the team has ample depth at the center position behind Victor Wembanyama, with fellow veterans Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk, and Bismack Biyombo.
San Antonio Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox (ankle) is listed as questionable for the Western Conference Finals opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. This isn't surprising, as Fox has recently dealt with soreness in his right ankle. It doesn't appear to be a big issue, but if Fox has to miss time, the Spurs will rely more on Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper in the backcourt. His absence could also increase the workload for Keldon Johnson, who has been limited to 18.5 minutes a night in the playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Williams injured his left hamstring in the second game of the postseason and sat out the entire second-round matchup against the Lakers. However, he has now been officially cleared to return after Williams noted earlier this week that he's "healthy" for the start of the Conference Finals. Williams' return will hurt Ajay Mitchell's fantasy stock the most, as he will be bumped to the second unit. It will also affect Chet Holmgren, who's had more offensive responsibilities without Williams.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025-26 NBA MVP, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. He became the 14th player in history to win the MVP award in back-to-back years. Gilgeous-Alexander beat out Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama. The Canadian star was also named the Clutch Player of the Year this season. While leading the Thunder to a league-best 64-18 record, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He's developed into a fantasy stud during his time in Oklahoma City, and at 27, Gilgeous-Alexander's prime is far from over.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland wants to stick with the team. "I feel like this is where I belong. I definitely want to come back," Hyland said Saturday. In 2025-26, Hyland had his first full season with the Timberwolves, posting averages of 8.5 points and 2.6 assists in 16.6 minutes per game. His workload dipped to 8.5 minutes per game during the second-round series against San Antonio. Yet Hyland sees a future in Minneapolis, and the team might also be interested in bringing him back after losing Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) from the guard rotation. Although Hyland has flashed potential, his inability to secure a steady role on any team has kept his fantasy value low.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley doesn't appear ready to hang up his shoes just yet. "I think I might've proved to myself I can play a little longer," Conley told reporters on Saturday. Conley had his 19th NBA campaign in 2025-26, making 54 regular-season and 12 playoff appearances. While he was happy with his contribution, this season was by far Conley's worst in the Association. The 38-year-old averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 18.4 minutes per game. It's been a few years since Conley made a fantasy impact, and that won't change in 2026-27, when we will probably see him offering primarily veteran leadership on a team.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) remains on the injury report ahead of Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. After missing seven games due to an adductor strain, Huerter has suited up for back-to-back games despite being listed as questionable each time. However, he logged only three minutes in Game 5 and was a DNP-CD in Game 6 on Friday night. Overall, Huerter has been limited to 9.2 minutes per game across five postseason appearances, so even if he's cleared to play on Sunday, he might not be part of the rotation.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Robinson hurt his lower back earlier in the series and didn't play in Game 5. He was listed as questionable ahead of Game 6 but managed to return to action, contributing 14 points in 20 minutes off the bench. It's hard to imagine Robinson sitting out Sunday's crucial game, but if he has to miss time again, Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert (heel), and Marcus Sasser will be in a position to see additional minutes on the floor.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (heel) is considered questionable for Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. The former Cavalier is nursing a right heel contusion. Given that LeVert has played through the injury so far, it seems likely he will suit up on Sunday. He's done a decent job off the bench in the series, averaging 8.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 20.5 minutes per game. If LeVert isn't in the lineup, Marcus Sasser and Duncan Robinson (back) can expect a larger workload, though Robinson is also listed as questionable.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (illness) is considered doubtful for Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. The 33-year-old missed Game 6 due to illness and hasn't yet fully recovered. Even when healthy, the Cavaliers haven't used Nance Jr. in the series, so his absence isn't a major issue for the team. In fact, Nance Jr. has logged just 4:39 across two appearances this postseason. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley will continue to lead the frontcourt in Sunday's win-or-go-home matchup.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Duncan Robinson had a major impact in his return to action on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing 14 points in 20 minutes off the bench in a 115-94 win. Following a tightly-contested first half, Detroit won the third quarter 30-19, with Robinson nailing a pair of three-pointers late in the frame. Overall, he finished 4-for-7 from behind the arc and had no two-point attempts, going 2-for-3 at the line. After missing one game due to a lower back injury, Robinson also contributed two rebounds and two assists. Daniss Jenkins, who jumped into the starting unit as Robinson's replacement in Game 5, recorded 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists on Friday. With both players performing well, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has little reason to tinker with the starting lineup in Game 7 on Sunday.
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham notched a team-high 21 points and delivered eight assists in Friday's 115-94 elimination game victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons' superstar wasn't very efficient with his work, going 7-for-19 from the field and committing seven turnovers, but he still made a big impact. Five of Cunningham's makes came with 10 attempts from behind the arc. His line included two rebounds in 42 minutes. Over the last two games, Cunningham has made 11 triples and boasts a 47.6% three-point efficiency in the series. He has averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.2 steals against Cleveland. In Game 7 on Sunday, the pressure will be on Cunningham to lead the Pistons to their first Conference Finals appearance since 2008.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren tallied a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double and added three blocks and one steal in Friday's 115-94 Game 6 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The All-Star big man provided the perfect response to being benched in Game 5. His performance was especially remarkable considering Duren injured his left ankle in the third quarter. Luckily for the Pistons, the 22-year-old big man was able to return for the fourth and helped the team secure an impressive road victory. Duren made only one of four free-throw attempts but finished a very good 7-for-10 from the field. The challenge for Duren now is to replicate this performance in Game 7 on Sunday.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards had a team-high 24 points in Friday's season-ending 139-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Timberwolves couldn't stave off elimination on home court, struggling on the offensive end all night. Edwards produced his third-highest scoring game of the series but was limited to 9-for-26 from the field. He finished 2-for-7 with the three-ball and 4-for-7 at the free-throw line, adding two rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 36 minutes. Despite being hit by knee problems late in the season, Edwards enjoyed a good campaign. He averaged a career-high 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. Edwards already has six NBA campaigns under his belt, yet he'll still be just 25 when the 2026-27 season begins, meaning his best fantasy production is likely still ahead of him.
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama had a quiet outing by his standards in Friday's Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, totaling 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in a 139-109 win. Wembanyama missed both his three-point attempts, but he went a good 6-for-11 overall from the field and had a 7-for-9 record at the charity stripe. On Friday, Wembanyama was able to take a lighter load as San Antonio's backcourt powered the team to a series-clinching victory. Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper combined for nearly half of the team's points (68). The Spurs will face Oklahoma City in the Conference Finals, a team they have beaten in four of five meetings this season. San Antonio has dominated this matchup despite Wembanyama's modest averages of 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
San Antonio Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox eased his way to 21 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks in just 24 minutes in Friday's series-clinching 139-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fox went a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc and 2-for-2 at the line, missing just two of 10 field-goal attempts. This was one of Fox's best performances of the postseason. While the All-Star guard hasn't set the world alight in the playoffs, he has done a solid job overall. Across 11 appearances, Fox has contributed 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He's been dealing with an ankle issue and left the first half early on Friday, which is something to monitor in the upcoming Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City.
