Brunson, Wembanyama Dominate 2026 Conference Finals as Harden and Mitchell Falter
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · May 25
Brunson, Wembanyama Dominate 2026 Conference Finals as Harden and Mitchell Falter
4 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · May 25
Jalen Brunson has powered New York to the brink of its first NBA Finals since 1999, averaging 29.0 points and 8.7 assists against Cleveland and driving the Game 1 comeback from 22 points down.
Mikal Bridges has reinforced that surge on both ends, holding James Harden in check while scoring 19.7 points per game on 71.1% shooting in the series.
Cleveland's stars have lagged behind: Harden is down to 17.3 points, 3.3 assists and 22.7% from three, while Donovan Mitchell is shooting 20.0% in fourth quarters and averaging just 5.0 late-game points.
In the West, Victor Wembanyama has emerged as the series' standout force despite heavy physical defense, posting 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as San Antonio fights Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not matched that level—shooting 39.2% overall and 26.7% from three—while Alex Caruso's early impact has become more important with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell hurt.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's playoff performance exposing a fatal flaw in his MVP-level game?
With the Knicks surging, are the Cavaliers a cautionary tale of a flawed superstar backcourt?
Has Victor Wembanyama already seized the 'best player in the world' title from the reigning MVP?