All articles tagged with #west semifinals
Victor Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter after a video review upgraded his contact with Naz Reid to a Flagrant 2, sending Minnesota to a 114-109 win in Game 4 of the West Semifinals and shifting momentum to the Timberwolves; Wembanyama finished with four points, four rebounds and three fouls in 13 minutes.
The Lakers need Austin Reaves to bounce back from a 3-for-16 Game 1 and provide scoring alongside LeBron, Hachimura and Ayton, while OKC’s depth continues to pressure them. Expect a sharper, less rusty SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 2 as the Thunder try to maintain control, and for the Lakers to lean on additional contributors and better shot quality.
Live updates from NBA.com cover Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals with the Thunder hosting the Lakers as OKC takes a 84-72 lead entering the fourth, led by Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (16) and Chet Holmgren (20 points, 9 rebounds) while LeBron James paces LA; earlier, the Pistons flew past the Cavaliers 111-101 to take Game 1 in the East, snapping a 12-game skid to Cleveland, with Cade Cunningham fueling Detroit’s win and the blog noting the historical 73.6% Game 1 win rate for teams in the Conference Semifinals.
Anthony Edwards returns from injury to score 18 off the bench as Minnesota survives Victor Wembanyama’s playoff-record 12 blocks to beat San Antonio 104-102 on the road, taking a 1-0 lead in the West semifinal. The game showcased heavy defense, Edwards’ impact, and late-game timeout debates as both teams brace for a tougher series ahead.
Victor Wembanyama set an NBA playoff record with 12 blocked shots in Game 1 of San Antonio's West semifinal against Minnesota, surpassing the previous 10-block mark held by Eaton, Olajuwon and Bynum. The rookie finished with 11 points on 5-for-17 shooting in a 104-102 Spurs loss.
OKC enters the West semifinal as the 2026 playoff favorite after sweeping L.A. in the regular season, thanks to depth and a stout defense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; the Lakers, hampered by injuries to Doncic (hamstring) and Reaves (oblique) with LeBron James at 41 carrying the load, must navigate offense without their stars. OKC’s balance and defensive edge give them the series edge, but LA will push back if Dončić returns and they can win the possession game. Key factors include Jalen Williams’ health for the Thunder and whether the Lakers can generate consistent scoring against a top defense. Prediction: Thunder in five.