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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • NBA Roundup: Late Surges, Big Performances Highlight Wednesday’s NBA Action

    NBA Roundup: Late Surges, Big Performances Highlight Wednesday’s NBA Action

    Wednesday night’s NBA slate delivered a little bit of everything — late-game drama, breakout performances, and convincing statements from teams finding their rhythm as the season rolls on. From Detroit holding firm against Denver’s furious rally to Oklahoma City’s wire-to-wire dominance and Atlanta’s balanced attack in Miami, February 4 underscored how quickly momentum can swing across the league on any given night. 

     

    Pistons Hold Off Nuggets in Tight Finish

     

    Detroit survived a furious fourth-quarter rally to edge Denver, 124-121, behind a composed performance at home. Jamal Murray sparked the Nuggets’ late push with 32 points and eight assists, helping Denver pour in 41 points in the final frame, but the Pistons never lost their nerve.

    Cade Cunningham orchestrated the offense with 29 points and 10 assists, controlling tempo during key stretches as Detroit leaned on its early cushion to fend off the comeback attempt.

     

    Jazz Run Past Pacers in High-Scoring Affair

     

    Utah turned the game into a track meet and came out on top, beating Indiana 131-122 after seizing control in the second half. The Jazz exploded for 40 points in the third quarter, shifting momentum in what had been a back-and-forth contest.

     

    Rookie guard Isaiah Collier delivered a masterful floor game, piling up 22 assists to go with 17 points and three steals. Indiana stayed competitive behind Quenton Jackson’s 24 points, but Utah’s ball movement and pace proved overwhelming.

     

    Knicks Cruise Past Wizards

     

    New York left no doubt on the road, routing Washington 132-101 with a blistering offensive start. The Knicks raced out early and never looked back, spreading scoring responsibility across the lineup.

     

    Mikal Bridges led the way with 23 points, while Washington struggled to find rhythm despite solid effort from rookie guard AJ Johnson.

     

    Lakers Dominate Early, Coast Past Nets

     

    The Lakers put on a first-quarter clinic in Brooklyn and cruised to a 125-109 win. Los Angeles poured in 45 points in the opening frame, immediately putting the Nets on the defensive.

    LeBron James filled the stat sheet with 25 points, seven assists, and three steals, controlling the game without needing to dominate late. Brooklyn found some footing after halftime behind Day’Ron Sharpe’s double-double, but the damage was already done.

     

    Hawks Outlast Heat as Johnson Posts Triple-Double

     

    Atlanta leaned on Jalen Johnson’s all-around brilliance to outlast Miami, 127-115. Johnson recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, dictating the pace and answering every Heat run.

     

    Miami closed strong in the fourth quarter, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. finishing with 21 points and eight rebounds, but the Hawks’ consistency across all four quarters proved decisive.

     

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    Celtics Spoil Flag Day in Dallas

     

    Boston weathered a monster night from rookie standout Cooper Flagg to beat Dallas, 110-100. Flagg dazzled with 36 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, but the Celtics’ experience showed down the stretch.

     

    Jaylen Brown anchored Boston with 33 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Celtics regain control after a late Mavericks surge.

     

    Bucks Pull Away From Bulls at Home

     

    Milwaukee used a dominant first half to put Chicago away, 131-115, behind a commanding performance from Kyle Kuzma. The forward stuffed the stat sheet with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists as the Bucks built a sizable cushion early.

     

    Chicago showed fight after halftime, but the deficit proved too steep to overcome.

     

    Thunder Overwhelm Magic Behind Triple-Double

     

    Oklahoma City continued its strong run with a convincing 128-92 win over Orlando. The Thunder set the tone early, opening with a 39-point first quarter that effectively ended the contest.

    Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a rare triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 20 points in a tough road outing.

     

    76ers Shut Down Warriors in San Francisco

     

    Philadelphia clamped down defensively and pulled away from Golden State, 113-94, limiting the Warriors to just 16 points in the third quarter.

     

    Rookie wing VJ Edgecombe paced the 76ers with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing poise beyond his years as Philadelphia controlled the game from start to finish.

     

    Suns Outlast Blazers in Portland

     

    Phoenix survived a spirited challenge from Portland, escaping with a 130-125 win at the Moda Center. The Suns leaned on steady execution late to seal the game after the Trail Blazers made multiple pushes.

     

    Collin Gillespie delivered one of his best performances of the season with 30 points and 10 assists, while Portland countered with dominant interior work from rookie center Donovan Clingan.

     

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  • Macau Black Bears not allowed to sign Filipino players for PBA guest run

    Macau Black Bears not allowed to sign Filipino players for PBA guest run

    Macau’s long-anticipated entry into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup comes with a clear boundary: no Filipino players allowed.

     

    As excitement builds around the Macau Black Bears’ participation as a guest team, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial made it clear that the league is sticking to precedent. Despite the Black Bears’ history of fielding Fil-foreign players in international competitions, that option won’t be available once they step onto the PBA stage.

     

    “Tulad nung mga dati nating guest teams, hindi sila puwedeng mag-line up ng Filipino players,” Marcial said, underscoring the league’s intent to remain consistent with rules previously applied to teams like Bay Area Dragons and Hong Kong Eastern.

     

    The clarification matters, especially given Macau’s recent past. The Black Bears once featured Fil-Ams Quentin Millora-Brown, Cole Micek, and Kascius Small-Martin—names familiar to local fans after the team even faced Gilas Pilipinas in a sendoff game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup.

     

    Since then, the trio’s paths have diverged. Micek was drafted by Rain or Shine but never signed, Small-Martin was removed from the draft list after failing to complete requirements, and Millora-Brown has since been declared a local player and is now playing professionally in Japan with the Chiba Jets, while also becoming eligible for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

     

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    Even if any of those players were to become available, Marcial reiterated they remain ineligible to suit up for Macau in the mid-season conference.

     

    “Dapat mga locals (Macau players) lang ang nasa lineup,” he stressed.

     

    Where the Black Bears will enjoy flexibility is in the import department. Like previous guest teams, Macau is allowed to carry two imports of different heights, with the option to replace one in case of injury—a setup similar to what Bay Area and Hong Kong Eastern previously utilized.

     

    “Ganun pa rin ang bibigay natin na concession. Puwede kang magpalit ng import kung ma-injured yung isa. Pero kapag ini-activate ulit yung original import, hindi ka na puwede ulit magpalit,” Marcial explained.

     

    The league’s leadership is now moving to formalize Macau’s participation. Marcial, along with PBA board vice-chairman Alfrancis Chua, is set to travel to Macau this week to meet with team owners Jackie Fung and Lukas Peng to finalize the Black Bears’ entry.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup approaches, the message is clear: Macau is welcome—but it will play by the same guest-team rules that came before it.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas mainstay Owa Retamar heads to Cambodia to shine amid Spikers’ Turf hiatus

    Alas Pilipinas mainstay Owa Retamar heads to Cambodia to shine amid Spikers’ Turf hiatus

     Even with Cignal’s sudden leave from the Spikers’ Turf, Owa Retamar is set to keep the ball flying. The Alas Pilipinas Men setter will take his talents to Cambodia, suiting up for Visakha in the 4th Sar Kheng Cup from February 7 to March 1.

     

    The month-long tournament doubles as Cambodia’s national volleyball championship and allows teams to enlist one foreign guest player, giving Retamar the perfect platform to maintain form and showcase Filipino skill.

     

    “Accepting this invitation from Cambodia is my way of contributing to help sustain the visibility of Philippine men’s volleyball, especially amid the uncertainties surrounding our local teams,” Retamar said through VP Global, his management agency. “I’m excited to learn from the environment there and contribute in the best way I can.” 

     

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    At 25, Retamar is already a decorated figure in Philippine volleyball, boasting four Spikers’ Turf championships and three best setter awards with Cignal. 

     

    He also played a pivotal role in Alas Pilipinas Men’s historic run at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship last year and helped the national team secure a bronze medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

     

    Retamar’s Cambodia stint highlights a growing trend of Filipino male volleyball players taking their skills overseas. He joins fellow imports like Bryan Bagunas in Japan, Marck Espejo in Taiwan, and Leo Aringo in Japan, proving that Philippine volleyball talent is gaining recognition beyond local shores.

     

    For Retamar, it’s more than just a temporary move—it’s an opportunity to keep competitive while serving as an ambassador for Philippine volleyball on an international stage.

     

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  • James Harden headed to Cleveland in blockbuster trade involving Darius Garland 

    James Harden headed to Cleveland in blockbuster trade involving Darius Garland 

    The LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just swap star guards — they exchanged timelines.

    In a move that reshapes both franchises’ direction, the Clippers agreed to send James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday. The deal caps days of behind-the-scenes talks as Harden and the Clippers worked toward a mutual separation that ultimately aligned with what each side needed most.

     

    For Harden, it’s another calculated shift toward contention. At 36, he remains one of the league’s most productive offensive engines, and Cleveland offers him something the Clippers could no longer promise with certainty: a clearer path to meaningful postseason success.

     

     Pairing Harden with Donovan Mitchell instantly gives the Cavaliers two elite shot creators capable of bending defenses in different ways — a gamble aimed squarely at raising their ceiling in a crowded Eastern Conference race.

     

    Cleveland’s willingness to make the move reflects urgency. Sitting at 30-21, the Cavaliers see Harden not as a short-term rental, but as a catalytic piece who can unlock playoff versatility they’ve lacked in recent runs.

     

     His ability to score, control tempo, and create for others gives Cleveland another layer when games slow down in May.

     

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    Harden, who sat out Sunday’s win in Phoenix and Monday’s home loss to Philadelphia for personal reasons, arrives still playing at a high level. In his 17th NBA season, he’s averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists — numbers that underscore how far removed he is from a decline narrative. His production has been central to the Clippers’ recovery from a brutal 6-21 start, making the decision to move him less about performance and more about direction.

     

    That direction now shifts toward Garland for Los Angeles.

     

    At 26, Garland represents both a reset and an investment. Though sidelined since Jan. 14 with a right foot injury, the two-time All-Star gives the Clippers a younger lead guard who can grow alongside — or eventually succeed — their veteran core. His arrival signals that L.A. is no longer exclusively chasing the immediate window but trying to balance competitiveness with sustainability.

     

    Garland’s impact in Cleveland went far beyond box scores. Drafted in 2019 after LeBron James’ departure, he became the face of the franchise’s rebuild, blossoming into a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Injuries and postseason frustrations clouded recent seasons, but his best years — including a 20.6-point, 6.7-assist All-Star campaign while shooting 40% from three — offer a reminder of his upside.

     

    Financially, Garland also brings stability, with two years and nearly $90 million remaining on the five-year extension he signed in 2022.

     

    For the Clippers, the move closes a chapter that produced playoff appearances but no deep runs. For the Cavaliers, it opens one filled with pressure — and possibility.

     

    Both teams made their bet. The rest will be decided in the spring.

     

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  • San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    Winning back-to-back All-Filipino championships has barely slowed San Miguel Beer’s momentum, but even as celebrations fade, planning for the next grind is already underway.

     

    Coach Leo Austria confirmed that the Beermen remain actively engaged with Brandon Boatwright, the familiar import who once powered the franchise to a Commissioner’s Cup title. The interest is mutual, but timing—more than desire—has emerged as the biggest obstacle.

     

    Boatwright is currently locked into his campaign with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a commitment that stretches well into April. That calendar clash creates uncertainty for San Miguel, with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup scheduled to tip off on March 11, just days after the All-Star festivities.

     

    “May communication kami. But the problem now with him is his last game in the eliminations sa Korea will last until April 8,” Austria said moments after guiding San Miguel to another championship. 

     

    “Mag-uumpisa tayo March 11, so probably mami-miss niya at least yung four games.” 

     

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    It’s a familiar dilemma for a franchise that knows exactly what Boatwright can bring. The 29-year-old import was the backbone of San Miguel’s Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup run, anchoring a finals victory over Magnolia in six games. A reunion would immediately strengthen the Beermen’s bid to chase yet another title.

     

    Still, Austria made it clear that nothing is guaranteed. The realities of overseas contracts and shifting priorities mean the situation could change quickly.

     

    “We don’t know yet, pero baka mamaya biglang mag opt-out siya. So talagang kinakausap namin siya,” the veteran coach said.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, optimism remains. Austria shared that Boatwright has expressed enthusiasm about the idea of wearing a San Miguel jersey once more—if circumstances allow.

    “Last time na nakausap siya ng manager namin (Gee Abanilla), ang sabi niya he’s excited to come back here with San Miguel,” Austria said. “But we’re not sure kung siya talaga. Of course, may commitment yung sa kanyang team.”

     

    For now, the Beermen wait—balancing patience with preparation. Whether Boatwright’s return aligns with the Commissioner’s Cup timeline or not, one thing is clear: San Miguel is already thinking ahead, intent on keeping its championship window wide open.

     

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  • Alex Eala, Janice Tjen upset Fernandez-Mladenovic to make Abu Dhabi doubles quarters

    Alex Eala, Janice Tjen upset Fernandez-Mladenovic to make Abu Dhabi doubles quarters

    What began as an experimental partnership quickly turned into a statement win for Alex Eala and Janice Tjen at the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

     

    The Southeast Asian duo surged into the doubles quarterfinals early Wednesday morning (Manila time), outlasting Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic in a gripping 7-5, 3-6, 10-6 battle that tested both composure and chemistry. 

     

    For Eala and Tjen—teaming up for the first time on tour—the victory was less about rankings and more about resilience.

     

    They needed plenty of it after stumbling out of the gate, dropping the first two games of the opening set. Instead of folding, the Filipina-Indonesian pair steadied themselves, matching Fernandez and Mladenovic point for point before seizing control late to take the set at 7-5.

     

    Momentum shifted in the second as the more experienced tandem pressed their advantage after a tight opening stretch, pushing the match into a deciding match tiebreak. 

     

     

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    There, Eala and Tjen flipped the script—striking early, maintaining their edge, and closing out the contest with authority after one hour and 33 minutes on court.

     

    Now the highest-ranked players from their respective regions at Nos. 45 and 47, Eala and Tjen await their quarterfinal opponent, which will come from either the Ukrainian sisters Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok or the Spanish-Chinese pairing of Cristina Bucsa and Shuai Zhang.

     

    Their paths diverge in singles action. Tjen saw her run end in the round of 16 at the hands of fifth seed Liudmila Samsonova, while Eala continues her campaign with a second-round clash against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Thursday night.

     

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  • Alex Eala takes on singles and doubles duties in Abu Dhabi

    Alex Eala takes on singles and doubles duties in Abu Dhabi

    Alex Eala’s Abu Dhabi Open campaign is quickly turning into a showcase of range, resilience, and rising stature on the WTA tour.

     

    Coming in with the confidence of a career-high world No. 45 ranking, Eala wasted little time asserting herself in singles, carving out a spot in the round of 16 of the WTA 500 tournament with a sharp 6-4, 6-3 victory over Zeynep Sonmez early Tuesday (Manila time). 

     

    The win underlined her growing comfort on the big stage, as she controlled the tempo and never allowed the match to drift away from her grasp. 

     

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    But Eala’s week in the UAE isn’t limited to singles duty. She is also stepping into doubles action, teaming up with Indonesia’s Janice Tjenn in a pairing that adds a Southeast Asian storyline to the draw. 

     

    While the partnership is new, the two are far from strangers — having crossed paths once before in singles, where Tjenn emerged victorious in straight sets during the Sao Paulo quarterfinals.

    Their doubles run, however, presents a different challenge altogether.

     

    Eala and Tjenn are set to face the experienced Fernandez-Mladenovic tandem, marking Eala’s first doubles meeting with the seasoned pair and offering another measuring stick as she continues to expand her all-around game.

     

    With singles momentum on her side and a fresh doubles test ahead, Eala’s early days in Abu Dhabi reflect a player not just climbing the rankings, but embracing the demands that come with it.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Just as Calvin Abueva appeared to rediscover his old edge, another pivot in his winding PBA journey is taking shape.

     

    Sources revealed Tuesday that the fiery forward is on his way to Converge, with Titan Ultra agreeing to part with “The Beast” in exchange for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and Mark Denver Omega. The transaction is now awaiting clearance from the PBA Commissioner’s Office.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the move carries a familiar undertone. Abueva is set to reunite with Dennis “Delta” Pineda, his longtime backer who now wears two hats as Converge head coach and Pampanga vice-governor. Their renewed partnership adds a personal layer to a deal that could reshape Converge’s identity moving forward.

     

    The timing, however, is what makes the trade especially striking. Abueva was in the midst of a full-blown resurgence with Titan Ultra, emerging as one of the Philippine Cup’s most productive players in what turned out to be his lone — and possibly final — conference with the expansion team. 

     

    He even entered the Best Player of the Conference race, eventually placing third behind June Mar Fajardo and Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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    Yet behind the on-court revival, frustration was brewing. Approaching his 38th birthday, Abueva had grown increasingly vocal on social media, openly hinting at a desire for a change of scenery. Those “trade me” posts now appear to have foreshadowed a swift resolution.

     

    Statistically, Abueva delivered his strongest showing in years. He topped the Philippine Cup elimination round in scoring at 23.6 points per game, while also posting 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks. It marked his most productive conference since his 2021 Philippine Cup stint with Magnolia, where he captured the BPC award. Despite his output, Titan Ultra finished just 4-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, parts with depth and youth. Suerte, selected in the 2019 Gilas special draft, averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds last conference. Caralipio, a Letran product signed in 2023, chipped in sparingly during the eliminations. Omega, a second-round pick in the most recent draft, is set to land with his third team in a whirlwind rookie season.

     

    For Abueva, the trade represents more than a roster move — it’s another reset in a career defined by intensity, reinvention, and unfinished business. For Converge, it’s a bold bet that a proven veteran, still capable of elite production, can accelerate the FiberXers’ climb in the PBA hierarchy.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Stars Take Over as Hornets, Rockets, Grizzlies, 76ers Score Big Wins

    NBA Roundup: Stars Take Over as Hornets, Rockets, Grizzlies, 76ers Score Big Wins

    Tuesday night’s NBA action delivered late surges, monster individual performances, and statement wins as several teams leaned on their stars to tilt close games their way. From Charlotte’s composure at home to Houston’s interior dominance and Memphis’ explosive finish, February 3 was shaped by big moments and bigger numbers.

     

    Hornets Rally Late to Stun Pelicans

     

    Charlotte flipped the script after halftime to pull away from New Orleans, 102-95, at home. The Pelicans looked in control early behind Trey Murphy III’s 27-point effort, but their offense stalled in the second half as the Hornets steadily closed the gap. LaMelo Ball anchored the comeback with 24 points and eight rebounds, helping Charlotte outscore New Orleans 53-31 over the final two quarters to seal the win.

     

    Sengun Powers Rockets Past Pacers

     

    Alperen Sengun delivered one of the night’s most dominant performances, erupting for 39 points and 16 rebounds as Houston edged Indiana, 118-114. The Rockets used a huge second quarter to build momentum and leaned on Sengun’s interior scoring down the stretch to fend off multiple Pacers rallies. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 27 points, but Houston’s balance and composure late proved decisive. 

     

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    Grizzlies Outlast Timberwolves in Shootout

     

    Memphis survived a back-and-forth thriller, topping Minnesota 137-128 in a game that turned into an offensive showcase. Anthony Edwards was sensational for the Timberwolves with 39 points and seven rebounds, but the Grizzlies matched fire with fire. Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 30 points and controlled key stretches as Memphis exploded for 39 points in the fourth quarter to finally pull away.

     

    76ers Hold Firm Against Clippers in LA

     

    Philadelphia asserted control early and never fully relinquished it, beating the Clippers 128-113 at the Intuit Dome. The 76ers jumped out fast behind a blistering first half and weathered multiple Clippers pushes after the break. Darius Barlow delivered a standout showing with 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard paced Los Angeles with 29 points, six assists, and three steals in defeat.

     

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  • NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    For most visitors, The Tenement in Taguig City is already a basketball landmark. For Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, it became something even bigger—a stage where skill, symbolism, and Filipino basketball culture collided.

     

    Matthews, one of the most respected shooting coaches in the world, capped his Manila visit with a moment that instantly etched itself into local hoops lore. Standing on the rooftop of the famed housing complex, he calmly launched a shot that kissed the backboard and dropped through the net below, making him the first to attempt—and convert—a basket from that height.

     

    The shot wasn’t just about range or spectacle. It demanded finesse.

     

    “I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. So I had to have touch to hit the backboard. That’s not really a shot from that far, and you’d have to use the backboard for it to go in,” he said.

     

    Crowds gathered below erupted as the ball fell, but the moment carried even more weight for Matthews. The Tenement court, long celebrated online, has featured murals honoring icons like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Luka Doncic. 

     

     

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    By the end of the day, Matthews found himself added to that storied wall.

     

     

    “You know, my entire life, I saw this amazing court online. I saw the legendary people— Michael Jordan, Kobe, Luka—everybody had a mural here,” he said. “So to shoot from the roof and to make a shot and to have a mural here, it’s a dream come true, man. It’s like basketball heaven for me.”

     

    Beyond the viral moment, Matthews spent his time connecting with local hoopers—sharing insights, watching exhibition games, and soaking in the country’s unmistakable basketball energy. For him, the Philippines stands apart.

     

    “In the Philippines, the love and the passion just go really deep in the blood. People and the passion here is, to me, number one,” Matthews said. “It’s true love here for the game.”

     

    His visit also served as a preview of what’s to come. Matthews is in Manila as part of Red Bull’s build-up to Red Bull Half Court 2026, with the Philippines set to host the World Finals later this year—an event expected to draw the global basketball community to the country.

     

    “There’s going to be so many people coming here who are going to see what the Philippines life is about, and its passionate love for the game of basketball,” he said.

     

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