NEW YORK — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, Alex Caruso led another strong bench effort with 22 and the Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win away from a return trip to the NBA Finals by beating the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 on Tuesday night.

Jared McCain, starting in place of injured teammates Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, added 20 points in his first playoff start for the defending NBA champion Thunder, who lead the Western Conference finals 3-2. Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein posted 12 points and 15 rebounds.

The Thunder, limited to 82 points in a Game 4 loss two days earlier, reached 82 points by early in the third quarter on Tuesday. Oklahoma City erupted for 40 points in the second quarter to seize control and maintained the advantage throughout.

“We obviously played a lot better, in terms of our process and then also the outcome,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “It’s a playoff series. If you look at any playoff series that goes to six games, at least, there’s going to be some tough games. We had a tough game the other night. This team does a great job of just coming back in the next day in a very neutral way, taking whatever the lessons are, applying them forward and getting into the next opportunity.”

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 24 points. Julian Champagnie added 22, and Victor Wembanyama scored 20 but struggled with 4-of-15 shooting. Keldon Johnson contributed 15 off the bench. San Antonio missed 29 of 41 three-point attempts.

“It just felt like it was a little bit of everything in terms of we did not put ourselves in position enough to be successful on each possession,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “And so, to beat a team of this caliber, in their building, with the stakes, we’ll need to be a lot better to give yourself a chance.”

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in San Antonio. A potential Game 7 would return to Oklahoma City on Saturday. The winner will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 set for June 3.

The victory marked a sharp turnaround for the Thunder after their Game 4 defeat in San Antonio. Oklahoma City showcased the balanced attack that carried them through the regular season and earlier playoff rounds. Gilgeous-Alexander, efficient from the line and assertive in the paint, anchored the offense while the supporting cast delivered.

“We just played to who we were tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We definitely got better from the last game.”

Fast Start and Second-Quarter Surge

Oklahoma City set a strong tone early. The Thunder built momentum through interior scoring and transition opportunities. By the end of the first quarter, they had established a lead that expanded dramatically in the second.

The period featured an unusual parade to the free-throw line. It took nearly 10 minutes for the first fouls to be called, but once whistles sounded, both teams converted frequently. The teams combined for 29 free throws in the second quarter alone, the most in any second quarter of an NBA game since the bubble playoffs nearly six years ago. Oklahoma City went 14 for 14 from the line in the quarter, while San Antonio was 15 for 17.

This offensive efficiency allowed the Thunder to pull away. Their 40-point second quarter created breathing room that proved decisive. Holmgren and Hartenstein controlled the glass, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Spurs.

San Antonio showed resilience in the third quarter, closing the gap to eight points at one stage. However, late-quarter officiating controversies frustrated the visitors. A potential goaltending violation on a tip-in attempt by Luke Kornet with 56 seconds remaining was not called after Cason Wallace deflected the ball. On the next possession, an out-of-bounds ruling favored Oklahoma City despite replays suggesting the ball went off Holmgren. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson’s attempt to challenge was denied, leading to a technical foul.

“They just said they didn’t see me,” Johnson said.

Oklahoma City carried a 101-91 lead into the fourth. The Thunder maintained a double-digit advantage for nearly the entire final period, a stark contrast to their 21-point loss in Game 4.

Player Performances and Adjustments

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points came on efficient shooting, supported by nine assists. His ability to draw fouls and finish at the rim proved crucial against San Antonio’s length. Caruso’s bench scoring provided vital energy, while McCain capitalized on his starting opportunity with confident playmaking and scoring.

For the Spurs, Wembanyama’s limited output highlighted Oklahoma City’s defensive focus on the young star. Castle’s 24 points offered a bright spot, but the team’s poor three-point shooting undermined their comeback efforts.

The Thunder’s defensive rotations and rebounding edge proved superior. Holmgren’s presence altered shots, and the team’s collective effort reflected the lessons learned from Sunday’s setback.

Series Context and Path Forward

The Western Conference finals have been competitive, with each team claiming home wins and trading momentum. Oklahoma City’s depth and home-court advantage have been evident in their victories. San Antonio has shown fight, particularly through Wembanyama’s versatility, but faces an uphill battle heading into Game 6.

The Spurs will need improved perimeter shooting and better execution in half-court sets to extend the series. For the Thunder, sustaining defensive intensity and balanced scoring will be keys to closing out the matchup.

This series represents a clash between established championship pedigree and emerging youth. Oklahoma City, as defending champions, seek a return to the Finals. San Antonio, led by Wembanyama, aims to continue its rapid ascent.

Broader NBA Playoff Picture

With the Western Conference finals nearing a conclusion, attention turns to the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks. The Finals matchup promises high-level basketball regardless of which Western team advances.

Oklahoma City’s roster construction, blending star talent with role players, has been a model of modern NBA success. Their ability to bounce back from poor performances underscores championship resilience.

Fans in Oklahoma City celebrated the Game 5 result, sensing a potential series-clinching opportunity on the road. San Antonio supporters remain hopeful for a home resurgence in Game 6.

As the series shifts back to Texas, both teams will review film and make tactical adjustments. The Thunder hold the momentum, but playoff basketball often rewards the team that responds best to adversity.

The physicality and strategic depth on display highlight why these contests captivate audiences. Free-throw disparities, rebounding battles and star performances continue to shape outcomes in this high-stakes environment.

Oklahoma City now stands one victory from advancing, but recognizes the challenge of closing out a motivated Spurs squad. San Antonio must elevate its performance to force a Game 7 and keep its season alive.

TUCSON, Ariz. — The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken another unusual turn with reports of unexplained arrangements of rocks and cacti appearing near her Catalina Foothills neighborhood, drawing renewed online speculation nearly four months after she vanished.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026, after she failed to appear for a scheduled online church service. Authorities believe she was abducted from her home in the Tucson suburb during the night of Jan. 31 or early morning hours of Feb. 1. The case, which has captivated national attention due to her daughter’s prominence, remains active with involvement from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

Recent livestream footage and resident reports describe sudden placements of rocks and native desert plants across from the Guthrie property in an easement area. Some online observers and amateur sleuths have suggested the arrangements could represent intentional signals or warnings tied to the investigation, though law enforcement has not linked them to the case.

Local residents have indicated the displays may instead represent efforts to deter ongoing crowds of livestreamers, amateur investigators and curiosity seekers who have frequented the quiet neighborhood since the disappearance. The area has seen no-parking zones implemented to manage traffic and disruptions from media and online content creators.

Details of the Disappearance

Guthrie was last seen after joining family for dinner and game night on Jan. 31. Her son-in-law drove her home around 9:50 p.m. Surveillance footage later showed a masked individual tampering with the doorbell camera before the disappearance. Signs of forced entry, blood evidence believed to be hers and missing security equipment were found at the residence.

The FBI released images of the masked figure, who appeared to carry a backpack. Investigators have described the case as an abduction. A $50,000 reward has been offered, with the family reportedly increasing incentives for information leading to her recovery.

Savannah Guthrie temporarily stepped away from her broadcasting duties earlier this year to focus on the search and family matters. She has made public appeals for information and later returned to the “Today” show.

Ongoing Investigation and Challenges

As the case passed the 100-day mark, Pima County officials reaffirmed their commitment. “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department remains fully committed to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance,” a statement said. The probe has generated thousands of tips, with searches extending into surrounding desert areas.

Recent finds, including a pajama top discovered during volunteer searches north of the home, have been collected for analysis, though no confirmed connection has been established. An earlier human bone found nearby proved to be ancient and unrelated.

The neighborhood has faced strain from sustained public interest. Ring camera footage from nearby properties captured a masked individual stealing potted cacti, adding to the surreal atmosphere surrounding the case.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid interfering with the investigation or spreading unverified information. No arrests have been made, and Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown. She was last seen without her phone or critical medications.

Family and Public Response

The Guthrie family has renewed appeals for help. Savannah Guthrie has spoken about details that “don’t add up,” including a propped-open door and other anomalies at the home. The high-profile nature of the case has drawn international coverage and volunteer search efforts across the Tucson region.

Community members have organized searches in the Catalina Foothills and beyond, looking for clues in rugged desert terrain. Some reports mention unverified ransom notes received by media outlets, including claims of sightings in Mexico, but officials have not confirmed their validity.

The case has highlighted issues around amateur investigations and social media speculation. Neighborhood groups have complained about disruptive behavior, leading to temporary restrictions on parking and gatherings near the property.

Broader Context

Nancy Guthrie, a longtime Tucson resident, was known in her community for posts on neighborhood apps about local wildlife and plants. Her love of the desert environment contrasts with the mystery that has unfolded in the Catalina Foothills, an area characterized by saguaro cacti and rocky landscapes.

The investigation continues to examine surveillance from multiple sources and tips from across the country. Federal authorities have coordinated with local agencies, emphasizing that the case has not gone cold despite the passage of time.

As public fascination persists, the unexplained elements near the home have only added layers to an already complex investigation. Officials stress the importance of verified leads over speculation.

The family maintains hope for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Savannah Guthrie has expressed gratitude for public support while asking for privacy amid the ongoing search. With no resolution in sight, the case stands as one of the most closely followed missing person investigations in recent years, blending elements of high-profile media attention with the challenges of desert terrain and prolonged uncertainty.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and FBI officials have periodically updated the public, noting continued analysis of evidence and incoming tips. The presence of rocks and cacti arrangements, whether coincidental or deliberate, underscores how even minor developments can reignite interest in a case that has gripped the nation since February.

Investigators encourage anyone with information to contact authorities directly. The search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fourth month with determination from law enforcement and the family to uncover what happened on that January night.

SYDNEY — The S&P/ASX 200 index advanced modestly on Wednesday, climbing 12.1 points or 0.14 percent to reach 8,669.9 by mid-afternoon trade, reflecting cautious optimism among investors amid mixed global signals and steady domestic economic indicators.

The benchmark index showed resilience in afternoon trading on May 27, 2026, as select resource and financial stocks provided support despite broader market hesitation. At 2:34 p.m. AEST, the gain placed the index near recent trading ranges, building on incremental progress seen in prior sessions amid ongoing geopolitical developments and commodity price movements.

Trading volume remained steady as participants assessed the latest inflation data and corporate earnings flows. Materials and financial sectors contributed positively, while energy and technology shares displayed varied performance. The modest uptick followed a period of volatility influenced by international events, including Middle East tensions and U.S. market trends from the previous session.

Market Drivers and Sector Performance

Resource stocks benefited from stable iron ore and copper prices, with several miners posting gains. Financial services firms, including the major banks, offered support as investors weighed potential Reserve Bank of Australia policy signals. Recent employment data showing softer-than-expected figures has reinforced expectations that the RBA may hold rates steady after earlier hikes.

The materials sector stood out with notable strength in several constituents. Companies exposed to base metals and precious resources saw buying interest as global demand indicators remained constructive. Energy stocks faced some pressure from fluctuating oil prices, which had risen earlier in the week on geopolitical concerns but showed signs of stabilization.

Broader market breadth was mixed, with roughly half the index constituents trading higher. Defensive sectors such as healthcare and consumer staples provided stability, while discretionary retail and technology names traded with caution amid global growth concerns.

Analysts noted that the Australian market continues to navigate a complex environment. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East, including U.S. actions and diplomatic efforts, have influenced commodity flows and investor risk appetite. Domestically, focus remains on inflation trends, with the latest CPI readings providing some relief after earlier accelerations.

Economic Backdrop and Policy Outlook

Australia’s economy has shown resilience despite global headwinds. The labor market data released recently indicated cooling conditions, which market participants interpret as reducing immediate pressure for further monetary tightening. The RBA’s cash rate stands at elevated levels following hikes earlier in 2026, and investors are closely monitoring upcoming inflation prints for clues on future policy direction.

Commodity exports remain a cornerstone of Australian growth. Iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas prices continue to influence the terms of trade. While China’s demand has been uneven, signs of stabilization in key sectors have supported related ASX listings. Gold prices hitting periodic highs also provided a tailwind for mining shares.

The Australian dollar traded around recent levels against the U.S. dollar, reflecting balanced views on relative interest rate paths between the RBA and the U.S. Federal Reserve. Currency movements have implications for multinational earners and import costs across the economy.

Corporate Highlights and Earnings Influence

Several companies reported updates that moved individual share prices. Resource firms with strong production outlooks attracted buyers, while banks benefited from steady lending metrics despite higher borrowing costs. Dividend-focused investors continued to favor stable yield names in the current environment.

Market strategists highlight that Australian equities have lagged some global peers year-to-date, partly due to sector composition heavy in financials and resources versus technology-heavy indices elsewhere. However, attractive valuations in certain segments have drawn selective buying.

Global Context Shaping Local Sentiment

Overseas developments continue to set the tone. U.S. markets showed mixed results overnight, with some indices reaching records amid artificial intelligence optimism and corporate earnings strength. European shares also posted gains on hopes of tariff delays and diplomatic progress.

Oil price fluctuations have been particularly influential. Brent crude movements in response to Middle East events have affected energy stocks and broader inflation expectations. A potential easing of tensions could support risk assets, while escalation risks remain a key concern for traders.

Asian markets presented a varied picture, with some regional bourses gaining on stimulus expectations while others faced pressure from trade dynamics. This patchwork of international cues contributed to the ASX 200’s restrained session.

Technical Outlook and Investor Strategies

From a technical perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 has been trading within a defined range in recent weeks. The current level near 8,670 sits above some short-term support but below recent peaks. Analysts watch the 8,700–8,800 zone as potential resistance, with downside support around 8,500.

Institutional investors have maintained balanced positioning, with some increasing exposure to domestic cyclicals while hedging against external shocks. Retail participation remains active through exchange-traded funds tracking the benchmark.

Longer-term, structural factors such as superannuation flows, population growth and the energy transition continue to shape Australian equity prospects. Sectors aligned with decarbonization and critical minerals have drawn sustained interest.

Looking Ahead

As the trading day progresses, attention turns to any late corporate announcements and offshore leads from U.S. futures. Thursday’s session will likely focus on further inflation data and commodity updates. The index’s ability to hold above key levels could signal building momentum into the end of the month.

Market watchers emphasize the importance of diversification in the current climate. While modest gains like Wednesday’s provide encouragement, volatility linked to geopolitics and central bank decisions remains elevated. Investors are advised to monitor upcoming economic releases closely.

The S&P/ASX 200’s performance reflects Australia’s position as a resource-rich, trade-exposed economy navigating global uncertainties. With the index showing tentative recovery signs, participants remain focused on sustainable growth drivers and policy responses that could influence the second half of 2026.

Broader All Ordinaries index moved in tandem, underscoring widespread but measured participation across listed companies. As markets digest the day’s developments, the modest advance underscores a wait-and-see approach typical of uncertain times.

Sensex declined around 70 points to open near 75,940, while Nifty 50 fell over 33 points or 0.14% to begin the session at 23,880 on Wednesday. This came even as India VIX, which measures volatility in market, dropped more than 3% to 16.13 in the early morning trading hours.

HDFC Bank, Infosys, Axis Bank, Asian Paints, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HCL Tech and Reliance Industries shares were the top losers on Sensex, falling up to 1%. Bucking the trend, Sun Pharma shares rose more than 1% to lead gains, while ITC, Bharat Electronics (BEL), ICICI Bank and others followed.

Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices recorded marginal gains. Nifty Metal index gained nearly 0.5% to lead gains, while Nifty Oil & Gas declined 0.2%. Around 1,433 stocks advanced on NSE, while 760 declined and 163 remained unchanged.

“With S&P 500, Nasdaq and Nikkei setting new records and KOSPI and Taiex getting bought on declines, the bull rally in these markets is showing no signs of losing steam. So long as this trend continues, the Indian market will remain on the back foot weighed down by FII selling,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.

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He added that the market appears to be ignoring the concentration risk associated with the ongoing AI trade. “We don’t know how long this will last and when India will turn attractive to FIIs again. This will certainly happen but the timing is unknown,” he said.
There are some positive developments from the Q4 results, according to the analyst. “Overall the results have turned out to be better-than-expected. Midcaps have outperformed largecaps. A significant trend is that profit growth has outpaced revenue growth. The sluggish revenue growth is indicative of the weak demand conditions in the economy. Fairly-valued financials have good prospects. Segments like pharmaceuticals with inelastic demand and good exports are showing great resilience since this segment will continue to do well even during tough times for the economy,” Vijayakumar said.US-Iran tensions rise

US and Iran appear to be closing in on the much-awaited deal to end the war in the Middle East and open up the Strait of Hormuz, but tensions simmer as the US conducted strikes on Iran. Tehran on Tuesday said that the US had violated a ceasefire by striking targets near the contested Strait of Hormuz, potentially complicating efforts to bring the war to a close.

Iran’s foreign ministry said US strikes in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, where Iranian media reported sounds of explosions early on Tuesday, represented a “gross violation” of the ceasefire in place for nearly seven weeks. The US said its attacks were defensive in nature, targeting missile sites and boats attempting to lay mines.

Israel meanwhile pounded Lebanon with more than 120 air strikes on Tuesday in one of the heaviest days of bombing in weeks, Lebanese security sources said. Iran has sought an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of any peace deal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it could take “a few days” to ‌negotiate a deal to halt ⁠the conflict, ⁠after both sides had previously indicated progress on an initial agreement that would end hostilities and restart shipping through the Strait. That initial agreement would give negotiators 60 days to tackle more complex issues including Iran’s nuclear program.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)