The NBA top 5 plays from May 6, 2026 captured a night when defense and explosiveness combined to produce some of the postseason’s most memorable moments so far. Two conference semifinal matchups drove the action. First, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101. Then, the Oklahoma City Thunder handled the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90. Together, both results sent a clear message about which teams are playing their best basketball right now. Here are the five plays that defined the night.
NBA top 5 plays: the moments that stood out
Jalen Duren’s powerful block
Duren delivered one of the most emphatic defensive plays of the night. The Detroit Pistons big man rose up and rejected a shot with force during the Pistons’ playoff win over Cleveland. The block was not just a routine stop. It was the kind of play that changes momentum instantly. Furthermore, it set the tone for Detroit’s defensive identity throughout the game. Duren continues to establish himself as one of the more imposing interior defenders in this postseason.
Ausar Thompson’s chase-down rejection
Thompson added another explosive defensive moment to what is becoming an impressive playoff highlight reel. His chase-down block spread quickly across NBA social media after the game. The play combined speed, timing and athleticism in equal measure. Moreover, it came at a key moment in the contest and contributed directly to Detroit’s ability to control the pace. Thompson is emerging as one of the most dynamic two-way players of this playoff round.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s alley-oop finish
Gilgeous-Alexander electrified the crowd in Oklahoma City with a smooth alley-oop conversion during the Thunder’s dominant win over the Lakers. The play was perfectly timed and executed with the kind of ease that separates elite players from everyone else. Additionally, it gave OKC a burst of energy at a pivotal point in the game. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to assert himself as one of the most complete offensive players in the conference semifinals.
Shai’s tough transition layup
Gilgeous-Alexander appeared again among the night’s best moments with a fast, acrobatic layup through traffic in transition. The finish required creativity and body control at full speed. As a result, it became one of the most replayed clips of the evening across social media. That kind of play, furthermore, reflects the Thunder’s commitment to pushing pace and punishing teams that fail to get back on defense.
Playoff intensity takes over
Beyond individual highlights, the night itself delivered the kind of atmosphere that defines great playoff basketball. Physical defense, transition finishes and momentum-changing sequences were present throughout both games. Consequently, the opening games of both series sent a statement. Detroit and Oklahoma City did not just win they controlled their opponents and set expectations for what is to come in each matchup.
What the results mean going forward
Both victories carry significant weight heading into the rest of the series. Detroit’s win over Cleveland was built on defensive energy and interior dominance. In contrast, Oklahoma City’s margin of victory over Los Angeles reflected a more complete team performance from start to finish. Moreover, with Gilgeous-Alexander operating at this level and Detroit’s young core stepping up defensively, both series promise to deliver more of what May 6 delivered. Overall, the NBA top 5 plays from this night offered a strong preview of what the rest of the conference semifinals may look like.
Source: NBA.com / compiled highlights
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