Los Angeles Lakers
May 2026
Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 6, overcoming injuries to key players with a strong defensive performance. LeBron James led the scoring effort while the Lakers limited Houston to their lowest point total of the season. Team resilience and defensive intensity proved decisive in closing out the series.
Nikola Jokic
April 2026
Denver Nuggets avoided elimination with a 125-113 victory over Minnesota, cutting the series deficit to 3-2 as Nikola Jokic delivered a dominant triple-double performance in a must-win playoff clash. Jokic led the charge with scoring, playmaking and rebounding, while Jamal Murray and key role players stepped up. A decisive third quarter surge and forced turnovers helped Denver capitalise against a depleted Timberwolves lineup.
Victor Wembanyama
April 2026
San Antonio Spurs are on the verge of advancing to the Western Conference semifinals, holding a 3-1 lead over Portland as their young roster continues to impress despite limited playoff experience. Strong contributions across the roster and standout performances from Wembanyama have driven success. The Spurs overcame deficits in previous games and now face a crucial closeout opportunity at home against a struggling Trail Blazers side.
Rudy Gobert
April 2026
Rudy Gobert’s defensive dominance has played a crucial role in Minnesota taking a 3-1 series lead over Denver, disrupting the Nuggets’ high-powered offense despite continued debate over the center’s reputation among fans and players. Gobert anchored a defense that limited Denver’s scoring efficiency and perimeter shooting, forcing Nikola Jokic into uncharacteristic struggles. Minnesota’s system has reduced points in the paint and overall output, putting the defending champions on the brink of elimination.
Stephen Curry
April 2026
Stephen Curry scored 35 points with seven threes as Golden State came back to beat the Clippers 126-121 in the play-in tournament. The win kept the Warriors alive and sent them on to face Phoenix for the West’s final playoff spot. Golden State erased a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit behind Curry’s scoring burst, four late Al Horford threes, and Draymond Green’s defense on Kawhi Leonard. The victory was one of the Warriors’ best nights of a difficult season.
Nikola Jokic
April 2026
Nikola Jokic is set to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists per game and rebounds per game over a single season. That would add another historic layer to his MVP case as Denver carry momentum into the playoffs. Jokic is tracking toward the unprecedented combination of 10.9 assists and 12.9 rebounds per game. The feat recalls Wilt Chamberlain’s 1967-68 totals-based achievement, but Jokic will be the first to top both categories by per-game average in the modern statistical framing.
Ayo Dosunmu
April 2026
Ayo Dosunmu said he is not taking playoff basketball for granted as he moves toward a second postseason appearance, this time with Minnesota after February’s trade from Chicago. He has become an important part of the Timberwolves’ push for a top-six seed in the West. Minnesota traded for Dosunmu because they wanted more backcourt playmaking and versatility, and he has delivered career-best scoring and efficiency this season. Dosunmu said his early playoff experience with Chicago taught him that postseason chances are not guaranteed and must be valued when they come.
Morocco
April 2026
Morocco defeated Senegal 55-47 to secure a place in the final of the African Wheelchair Basketball Championship. Morocco controlled enough of the game to protect their advantage, while Senegal’s comeback effort fell short after halftime. Match reporting said Morocco managed the game well from the opening stages and took a 29-25 lead into the break. Senegal pushed in the second half, but Morocco’s organisation and composure held firm to send them through to the title match.
Michigan
March 2026
Michigan rolled past Tennessee 95-62 to reach its first Final Four since 2018, with Yaxel Lendeborg scoring 27 points in another dominant display. The Wolverines used their size, balance and a huge first-half run to take control and never let Tennessee recover. Michigan blew the game open with a 21-0 run in the first half and finished with six players scoring at least 11 points. Reuters and AP both noted that Elliot Cadeau had 10 assists, while Tennessee struggled badly from the field and again fell short of a Final Four under Rick Barnes.
Arizona
March 2026
Arizona reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 after overwhelming Arkansas 109-88 in a high-scoring Sweet 16 win. The Wildcats tied a school record for wins in a season and finally moved past a stage that had repeatedly stopped Tommy Lloyd. Brayden Burries led the charge with 23 points, while Arizona placed six players on 14 points or more to produce a historic balanced scoring display. Arkansas stayed close for a period, but the Wildcats’ offensive efficiency, depth and second-half control turned the game decisively.
