James Harden delivered clutch playoff heroics while Victor Wembanyama continued his dominant postseason run during another dramatic night in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The NBA top plays from May 13, 2026 showcased superstar performances, clutch moments and postseason intensity at its highest level. From James Harden’s overtime brilliance for Cleveland to Victor Wembanyama’s continued takeover in San Antonio, the night delivered several unforgettable highlights as the playoff picture tightened across both conferences.
James Harden takes over in overtime for Cleveland
The biggest moment of the night belonged to James Harden, who powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a crucial overtime win against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Harden finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists while delivering several massive shots late in regulation and overtime. Even after missing a free throw late in overtime, Harden chased down the offensive rebound to help Cleveland drain more clock and secure the victory.
The Cavaliers earned their first road win of the postseason and moved one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
Wembanyama dominates again for the Spurs
Victor Wembanyama continued building his playoff legacy with another monster performance for the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs superstar exploded for 27 points and 17 rebounds during San Antonio’s 126-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. Wembanyama scored 18 points in the first quarter alone and completely controlled the paint on both ends of the floor.
His bounce-back performance came just one game after his controversial ejection in Game 4, making the response even more impressive.
Keldon Johnson’s poster dunk ignites San Antonio
While Wembanyama led the way, Keldon Johnson delivered one of the night’s most explosive highlights.
Johnson energized the Spurs crowd with a powerful poster dunk over Rudy Gobert during a key stretch of the game. The Sixth Man of the Year also added 21 points on highly efficient shooting, helping San Antonio pull away in the second half.
His energy off the bench proved critical as the Spurs moved within one win of their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2017.
Play No. 4: Donovan Mitchell keeps Cleveland alive
Although Harden finished the job, Donovan Mitchell once again played a massive role in Cleveland’s comeback effort.
Mitchell entered Game 5 after scoring 30 or more points in three consecutive games, including a 43-point explosion in Game 4. His relentless attacking style and ability to get to the free-throw line continued causing problems for Detroit’s defense.
Even on an off shooting night, Mitchell’s late-game aggression helped set the stage for Cleveland’s overtime win.
Play No. 5: Spurs overwhelm Minnesota with paint dominance
The Spurs delivered one of the most complete team performances of the postseason.
San Antonio dominated the interior throughout Game 5, overwhelming Minnesota with physicality and ball movement. De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson combined to provide major scoring support around Wembanyama, while the Spurs repeatedly attacked the paint to break open the game.
Minnesota struggled to respond defensively as San Antonio seized full control of the series.
With Cleveland now holding a 3-2 series edge over Detroit and the Spurs leading Minnesota 3-2 in the West, the 2026 NBA Playoffs continue delivering elite-level drama every night. The pressure only increases from here as elimination games loom across the bracket.
Source: NBA.com, YouTube NBA Highlights, Reuters
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