2026 NBA Finals Recap
Knicks end 53-year drought 94-90 in Game 5
The 2026 NBA Finals delivered the most clutch five-game series in over a decade — every game was within five points in the last five minutes. The Knicks rallied from double-digit deficits in all four of their wins, including a 29-point comeback in Game 4. In the clinching Game 5 on the Spurs' home floor, Jalen Brunson scored 45 points (15 in the fourth quarter) to match Michael Jordan's record for the most points scored on the road to clinch a title. New York's first championship since 1973 ended a 53-year drought.
2026 NBA Awards Winners
NBA Player Stats & Salaries
| # | Player | Team | 2025-26 Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden State Warriors · PG | $59.6M | |
| T2 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets · C | $55.2M |
| T2 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers · C | $55.2M |
| T4 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks · F | $54.1M |
| T4 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics · F | $54.1M |
| T4 | Anthony Davis | Dallas Mavericks · F-C | $54.1M |
| T4 | Jimmy Butler | Golden State Warriors · F | $54.1M |
Fantasy Basketball 2026
2026 NBA Draft
Wizards Win 2026 Draft Lottery
The Washington Wizards won the May 10 NBA Draft Lottery, jumping into the No. 1 spot. They'll be on the clock for one of three potential franchise cornerstones: AJ Dybantsa (BYU, 25.5 PPG), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), or Cameron Boozer (Duke, AP National Player of the Year). The 2026 NBA Draft will be held over two nights at Barclays Center, Brooklyn: Round 1 on June 23, Round 2 on June 24.
NBA Trades & Free Agency 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 NBA Finals?
The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1. The series concluded on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, where Jalen Brunson scored a Knicks Finals record 45 points in the 94-90 Game 5 win. It was the Knicks' first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year title drought.
Who was named 2026 NBA Finals MVP?
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks was unanimously named the 2026 NBA Finals MVP, receiving all 11 first-place votes. Brunson averaged 32.6 points per game in the Finals, including 45 points in the Game 5 clincher. His 45 points tied Michael Jordan for the most ever scored on the road in a clinching Finals game, and he became the fourth second-round pick in NBA history to win the award.
Who won the 2025-26 NBA MVP?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2025-26 NBA MVP, his second consecutive MVP award. He received 83 of 100 first-place votes after averaging 31.1 points per game on 55.3% shooting while leading the Thunder to a league-best 64-18 record. Nikola Jokic finished second and Victor Wembanyama third.
Who won the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year?
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs won the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award unanimously. The 22-year-old averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game while leading the Spurs to a 62-20 record and an NBA Finals appearance.
Who are the highest-paid NBA players in 2025-26?
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is the highest-paid NBA player in 2025-26 with a salary of $59.6 million. He is followed by Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid (both $55.2 million), then Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum tied at $54.1 million. The 2025-26 salary cap is set at $154.6 million, and the 2026-27 cap is projected at $165 million.
Who has the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Washington Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026, earning the No. 1 overall pick. They are followed by the Utah Jazz at No. 2, Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3, Chicago Bulls at No. 4, and Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5 (via Indiana). Top prospects include AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), and Cameron Boozer (Duke). The 2026 NBA Draft will be held June 23-24 at Barclays Center.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held over two nights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Round 1 takes place on Tuesday, June 23 and Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick after winning the May 10 draft lottery.
What is the NBA salary cap for 2026-27?
The NBA salary cap for the 2026-27 season is projected at $165 million, a roughly $10 million increase from the 2025-26 cap of $154.6 million. The tax level will be $201 million, the first apron $209 million, and the second apron $222 million.