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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • NBA Roundup: Pistons cruise, Kevin Durant game-winner, and Nuggets survive in OT

    NBA Roundup: Pistons cruise, Kevin Durant game-winner, and Nuggets survive in OT

    A compelling Tuesday slate delivered standout performances, veteran poise, and dramatic finishes as teams continued to jockey for position in January—highlighted by Detroit’s dominant win, a late Kevin Durant dagger, and a gutsy overtime victory by Denver.

     

    Pistons Dominate Knicks with Balanced Attack

     

    Detroit 121, New York 90

    The Pistons made a strong statement in the Eastern Conference, overpowering the Knicks behind an efficient offensive night and stifling defense. Cade Cunningham orchestrated Detroit’s offense with authority, finishing 29 points and 13 assists, leading a first-half surge that propelled the Pistons to a commanding lead. Their defensive intensity limited New York to just 15 points in the pivotal third quarter, effectively sealing the outcome before the final period. The Knicks fell behind early, unable to consistently break Detroit’s pressure despite Mikal McBride’s 17 points. Detroit’s win keeps them atop the East standings, showcasing their ongoing rise as a contender this season.

     

    Celtics Top Bulls as Boston’s Depth Shows Up

     

    Boston 115, Chicago 101

    The Celtics leaned on a balanced offensive approach to subdue the Bulls in Boston. Anfernee Simons delivered a team-high 27 points, providing scoring punch when needed, while Boston’s role players contributed across the stat sheet. Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic posted a 15/15 double-double with seven assists, but the Bulls could not keep pace, particularly in the third quarter when Boston stretched its lead. The win adds momentum to a Celtics squad consistently near the top of the East and underscores their ability to win even when the bench needs to step up.

     

    Raptors Control Tempo in Comfortable Win Over Hawks

     

    Toronto 118, Atlanta 100

    At Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors delivered a cohesive performance that kept the Hawks at bay throughout. Toronto’s offense clicked inside and out, maintaining pressure and converting early to force Atlanta into a catch-up mode. Onyeka Okongwu recorded a 17-point, 12-rebound night for the Hawks, yet it wasn’t enough to counter Toronto’s balanced scoring and defensive stops. The Raptors’ depth has been a key to their success this season, helping them remain firmly in the playoff picture in the competitive Eastern Conference.

     

     

    Kevin Durant’s Clutch Heroics Lift Rockets

     

    Houston 100, Phoenix 97

    In a tightly contested battle, Kevin Durant hit the game-winning jumper with under four seconds left, preserving the Rockets’ edge over the Suns. Durant finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring Houston’s offense when it mattered most. Phoenix’s Devin Booker scored 27, keeping the Suns within striking distance throughout, but durable late defense and execution in crunch time made the difference for Houston. The game evoked elements of a rivalry feel, with Durant and Booker trading momentum shifts throughout the night.

     

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    Hornets Roll Past Thunder in Lopsided Win

     

    Charlotte 124, Oklahoma City 97

    Charlotte delivered one of the night’s most impressive victories, cruising past the Thunder on both ends of the floor. The Hornets led by as many as 30 points, showcasing a remarkable offensive balance and defensive effort that kept OKC out of rhythm. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 28 points and six rebounds, symbolizing a growing maturity in his role. Meanwhile, the Thunder, despite a strong overall record this season, continue to face questions about consistency—their effort on this night falling well short of expectations.

     

    Nuggets Outlast 76ers in Overtime Thriller

     

    Denver 125, Philadelphia 124 (OT)

    In one of the night’s most dramatic contests, the Denver Nuggets edged the 76ers in overtime thanks to a clutch performance despite significant roster limitations. With several key players unavailable, Jalen Pickett stepped up with a career-night 29 points and seven assists, while Denver mounted a late fourth-quarter rally to force extra time. The Nuggets overcame a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and held off Philadelphia’s late surge, capped by a late decisive basket and defensive stand. Tyrese Maxey’s all-around 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists weren’t quite enough for the 76ers in this tightly contested showdown.

     

     

    Clippers Edge Warriors in Close Defensive Battle

     

    LA Clippers 103, Golden State 102

    In a low-scoring, tense clash, the Clippers outlasted the Warriors by a single point. Kawhi Leonard led LA with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Stephen Curry nearly stole the game for Golden State with 27 points and six assists. Defensive intensity defined this matchup, with both teams battling for every possession down the stretch. The Clippers’ ability to make key stops in crunch time proved critical in a game that stood as a defensive chess match more than an offensive showcase.

     

    Trail Blazers’ Offense Too Much for Jazz

     

    Portland 137, Utah 117

    Portland closed the night with a high-flying offensive display, putting up 137 points in a rout of the Jazz. Deni Avdija erupted for 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, pacing a Trail Blazers team that shot effectively from deep and dominated transition opportunities. The Jazz struggled to contain Portland’s scoring bursts, with Utah’s Jusuf Nurkić contributing a strong 21/12 double-double but unable to keep pace. Portland’s offensive fireworks brought them across the finish line in emphatic fashion.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright’s KBL move keeps Gilas naturalization bid on track

    Bennie Boatwright’s KBL move keeps Gilas naturalization bid on track

    What initially looked like a complication in Gilas Pilipinas’ long-term plans may have quietly resolved itself.

     

    Bennie Boatwright, a key naturalization candidate for the national team, is staying put in Asia after securing a stint in the Korean Basketball League, easing concerns that his sudden release in Taiwan could derail his availability for future Gilas call-ups.

     

    Boatwright recently arrived in South Korea after signing with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, stepping in just weeks after his contract with the Taipei Fubon Braves was unexpectedly terminated. The development is significant not just for his professional career, but also for Gilas Pilipinas, which has been monitoring his situation closely as his naturalization process continues to move forward.

     

    That process gained momentum in November, when Boatwright appeared in congressional hearings alongside former University of the Philippines center Malick Diouf—being considered for the Gilas 3×3 pool—and Elizabeth Means of Gilas Women.

     

     At the time, the expectation was that Boatwright’s continued presence in Asian leagues would keep him within reach of the national program once eligibility hurdles are cleared.

     

    Those plans briefly appeared uncertain when Fubon cut ties with the American forward shortly after his return from a lengthy injury layoff—his first stint back in competitive action.

     

    “After careful evaluation and discussion by the coaching staff, it was ultimately decided to terminate the contract with Boatwright,” the Taiwanese club said in a statement released last week.

     

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    The move sparked concern that Boatwright might head back to the United States in search of opportunities, potentially distancing himself from the Asian basketball circuit—and from Gilas’ immediate radar. Instead, the opposite happened.

     

    Daegu KOGAS Pegasus swooped in, announcing his signing for the ongoing KBL season and providing Boatwright with a new platform in one of Asia’s most competitive leagues. His arrival also sets up an intriguing dynamic, as he now shares the locker room with former Gilas guard SJ Belangel.

     

    Boatwright wasted little time suiting up, making his KBL debut on Monday. While Daegu absorbed an 87–77 loss to the Goyang Sono Skygunners led by fellow Gilas prospect Kevin Quiambao, Boatwright managed to make his presence felt with eight points, signaling the start of what could be a crucial stretch in rebuilding rhythm and form.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, Boatwright’s move to Korea may prove timely. Remaining in Asia not only keeps him visible to national team stakeholders but also allows him to stay game-ready in a high-level environment while his naturalization process unfolds.

     

    What once appeared to be a potential roadblock has instead turned into a detour—one that still leads in the same direction for both Boatwright and Gilas.

     

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  • Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Akari turns the page as Ezra Madrigal, Cams Victoria exit ahead of 2026 PVL Season

    Change has finally arrived for Akari, and it comes at a symbolic moment in the Chargers’ young PVL history.

     

    Fresh off a bronze medal finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, the Chargers have confirmed the departures of two familiar faces—Ezra Madrigal and Cams Victoria—marking the team’s first major offseason shakeup heading into the 2026 Premier Volleyball League season.

     

    For a franchise that leaned heavily on continuity during its early years, the move signals a conscious shift from building around familiarity to actively redefining its identity.

     

    Madrigal’s exit, in particular, closes a foundational chapter. A member of Akari’s original PVL roster when the team debuted in 2022, the 5-foot-11 Far Eastern University product became a fixture in the middle during the Chargers’ formative seasons. 

     

    Her presence helped stabilize a young squad navigating its way through the league’s import-heavy era.

     

    Her tenure with Akari, however, is remembered not only for on-court contributions but also for being entwined with one of the PVL’s most debated moments. During the 2024 Reinforced Conference semifinals against PLDT, a net-touch call involving Madrigal in the deciding fifth set ignited controversy, eventually leading to a successful protest and an overturned ruling.

     

    More than a year later, that incident now stands as a historical footnote to a chapter that has officially closed.

     

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    Madrigal leaves behind a résumé that includes two bronze medals and a runner-up finish, along with a noticeable void in Akari’s middle blocker rotation. 


    That responsibility now shifts to Alas Pilipinas standout Fifi Sharma, who is set to anchor the frontline alongside Ced Domingo and developing middle Jamaica Villena.


    Victoria’s departure, meanwhile, reflects a quieter but equally meaningful transition. The former University of Santo Tomas standout joined the Chargers in 2023 and steadily carved out her role as a dependable opposite hitter. Initially backing up veteran Eli Soyud, the 6-foot-1 attacker later became part of a deeper right-side rotation that featured emerging scorer Steph Bustrillo.


    With both Madrigal and Victoria moving on, Akari’s roster evolution under head coach Tina Salak officially begins in earnest. 


    Beyond selections made in the 2025 PVL Draft, this offseason represents Salak’s first true chance to reshape the team, stepping away from a largely untouched core and toward a lineup built with long-term contention in mind.


    As the Chargers set their sights on 2026, the message is clear: Akari is no longer content with incremental progress. The next phase will be defined by deliberate change—and the departures of two long-time contributors are the first signs of that shift. 


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  • PBA to review ‘cooking’ gesture as emotions spill over in Converge–Ginebra quarterfinal

    PBA to review ‘cooking’ gesture as emotions spill over in Converge–Ginebra quarterfinal

    What was supposed to be a showcase of playoff intensity has now crossed into a matter of league discipline.

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office is set to call in Converge big man Justin Baltazar and assistant coach Humperdink Dimatulac following a controversial “cooking” gesture made during the FiberXers’ heated Philippine Cup quarterfinal clash against Barangay Ginebra on December 28.

     

    PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that both Baltazar and Dimatulac will be summoned within the week, placing the spotlight on player and bench conduct amid rising tensions in high-stakes games. 

     

    The gesture, made in clear view of the crowd, was widely interpreted as an expression of frustration toward the officiating during the knockout contest.

     

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    The incident did not remain confined inside the arena. Short video clips capturing the gesture quickly circulated on social media, amplifying public scrutiny and prompting the league to step in and assess whether the act crossed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

     

    The timing made the moment even more charged. Converge entered the quarterfinals holding the fourth seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, but saw its Philippine Cup run come to a dramatic end after falling to Ginebra in overtime, 99–98. 

     

    The loss was sealed by a Stephen Holt three-point buzzer-beater, a finish that turned frustration into heartbreak for the FiberXers.

     

    While emotions often run high in playoff basketball, the league’s response underscores its ongoing effort to maintain professionalism and respect—both toward officials and the game itself—especially as social media magnifies every on-court and sideline reaction.

     

    Any potential sanctions against Baltazar and Dimatulac will be determined after their meeting with the Commissioner’s Office. 

     

    For now, the episode serves as a reminder that in the PBA, how a team handles adversity can be judged just as closely as how it performs in crunch time.

     

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  • Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino headlines Strong Group’s latest veteran signings ahead of 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference

    Royse Tubino emerged as the headline addition as Strong Group Athletics continued to fortify its Premier Volleyball League rosters, announcing a new wave of veteran signings ahead of the 2026 season.

     

    Tubino, a proven opposite spiker known for her steady scoring and versatility, leads a quartet of experienced reinforcements that also includes setter Chie Saet and middle blocker Remy Palma from Petro Gazz, along with libero Bia General of Choco Mucho. 

     

    The moves further strengthen Strong Group’s twin franchises, ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh, as both teams look to build on promising campaigns last season.

     

    At 32, Tubino brings reliability forged through years of PVL battles. She most recently suited up for Choco Mucho, where she served as a dependable offensive option off the bench, providing timely points and stability whenever called upon. 

     

    Her arrival gives Strong Group a seasoned attacker capable of contributing immediately, whether in a starting role or as a key rotation piece.

     

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    Saet adds championship pedigree to the group. The 41-year-old veteran setter spent her entire PVL career with Petro Gazz since 2019 and was instrumental in four title runs, three of which came during the league’s professional era.

     

    Her experience and court leadership offer Strong Group a calming presence in high-pressure moments.

     

    Palma, meanwhile, strengthens the middle while bringing leadership off the floor. A three-time PVL champion at 30, she is set to take on a dual role as a playing assistant coach, blending on-court contributions with mentorship for younger teammates.

     

    General rounds out the signings as a defensive specialist. During her stint with Choco Mucho, she served as the primary backup to multi-time Best Libero Thang Ponce, giving Strong Group a reliable option in the backcourt with experience in structured defensive systems.

     

    The latest acquisitions come just a month after Strong Group secured former Chery Tiggo standouts Cess Robles, Karen Verdeflor, and Renee Peñafiel, highlighting a clear strategy of surrounding its teams with veteran leadership.

     

    ZUS Coffee is coming off a breakthrough Reinforced Conference run that ended with a maiden Finals appearance, while Farm Fresh registered a franchise-best 7–1 elimination-round record before exiting in the quarterfinals. 

     

    With Tubino leading the newest batch of additions, Strong Group appears intent on turning last season’s gains into sustained contention in 2026.

     

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  • Alex Eala and Iva Jovic stun Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in ASB Classic doubles debut

    Alex Eala and Iva Jovic stun Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in ASB Classic doubles debut

    A new wave of youth and energy took center court in Auckland on Monday as Alex Eala and Iva Jovic pulled off a stunning victory against seasoned campaigners Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6(7), 6-1, at the WTA ASB Classic. 

     

    The dynamic pairing, aged just 20 and 18, announced their arrival in New Zealand with authority, blending resilience and precision in their doubles debut.

     

    The opening set was a tense, nail-biting affair, with Eala and Jovic saving eight set points to secure a dramatic tiebreak. 

     

    Once the pressure eased, the young duo hit their stride in the second set, allowing their illustrious opponents—Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, and Svitolina, a former world No. 1—to claim only one game. 

     

    The match concluded in 1 hour and 29 minutes, leaving no doubt about the rising pair’s chemistry and potential. 

     

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    With this win, Eala and Jovic punched their ticket to the doubles quarterfinals, where they will meet the winner of the clash between top seeds Desirae Muhammad and Erin Routliffe and the pairing of Tereza Maleckova and Renata Zarazua. 

     

    This marks the first professional tournament partnership for the Filipino world No. 53 and the American world No. 35, a combination that has already turned heads.

     

    The triumph in doubles was only half the story. In singles play, Jovic advanced to the round of 16 with a first-round victory over Czech Republic’s Gabriela Knutson. 

     

    Meanwhile, Eala, the fourth seed, is set to take on Croatian third seed Donna Vekić in a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday morning—an encounter that promises to test her skills on the singles court just as much as the doubles win showcased her composure and fighting spirit.

     

    Monday’s results highlight a new generation ready to challenge the established stars, with Eala and Jovic proving that talent, teamwork, and poise can topple even the most decorated of opponents. 

     

    Fans and analysts alike will now watch closely as Eala balances her doubles momentum with a high-profile singles battle, potentially signaling a breakout week at the ASB Classic.

     

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  • PVL to finally give teams a share of league revenues

    PVL to finally give teams a share of league revenues

    From sold-out arenas to strong television and streaming numbers, the Premier Volleyball League has long looked like a thriving sports property. Fans see the spectacle, brands see the exposure, and players see a platform that keeps growing bigger every season. Behind the scenes, however, team owners have continued to shoulder most of the financial burden—until now.

     

    For the first time since turning professional in 2020, the PVL is set to formally return a portion of league revenues to its teams, marking a significant shift in how the country’s top volleyball league operates. The move signals that the PVL is no longer just surviving on popularity, but is now confident enough in its business model to start sharing the fruits of its success.

     

    “30 percent of what the league makes (every year),” PVL president Ricky Palou told the Inquirer over the phone a couple of days back, outlining how teams will finally begin receiving league-generated income. “That would be 30 percent divided by all the teams that are playing.”

     

    The remaining funds, Palou explained, will be reinvested into keeping the league running smoothly. “Palou went on to say that the remaining 70 percent will be used for operating expenses.” In effect, the PVL is balancing two goals at once: rewarding its stakeholders while ensuring the league itself remains financially healthy.

     

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    This revenue-sharing plan is not an isolated decision. It follows another major structural change introduced in recent years—the Rookie Draft—which brought a new level of parity and long-term planning to the league, highlighted by former La Salle star Thea Gagate being selected first overall. Together, these initiatives point to a league that is thinking beyond short-term hype and toward sustainability.

     

    “This will help ensure the stability of the league,” Palou added, stressing that the timing of the move is deliberate as the PVL continues talks with Cignal for a renewal of its broadcast deal. Media rights remain a cornerstone of the league’s income, and Palou acknowledged how crucial that relationship is to making revenue sharing viable for all teams.

     

    “We knew that somewhere down the road that this will happen,” he said. “And we are just happy and proud that we can start doing it starting this year.”

     

    Palou’s confidence is shaped by experience. Having previously served as chief finance officer of the Philippine Basketball Association during the tenure of the late Jun Bernardino, he understands how leagues dependent on gate receipts and broadcast deals must evolve to keep franchises afloat. It is no coincidence that the PVL’s approach mirrors models used by the PBA and even collegiate powerhouses like the UAAP and NCAA.

     

    The long-term objective is clear: reduce the financial gap between teams and eventually help them break even. “That’s the target, hopefully,” Palou said.

     

    While concrete figures in volleyball remain unclear, comparisons with the PBA—where top teams are estimated to spend P50 to P60 million annually—offer perspective. The PVL may not yet operate on the same financial scale, but its rapidly expanding fanbase and commercial pull suggest that investments made by team owners are becoming increasingly justifiable.

     

    Five years into its professional journey, the PVL is no longer just a showcase for elite volleyball talent. With revenue sharing now on the table, it is positioning itself as a mature, forward-thinking league—one that recognizes that sustained success depends not only on packed crowds, but on making sure its teams can thrive alongside it.

     

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Historic LeBron James feat highlights Monday action

    NBA Roundup: Historic LeBron James feat highlights Monday action

    A loaded Monday slate kicked off a busy first week of January in the NBA, featuring standout performances, offensive fireworks, and historical achievements. From Giannis Antetokounmpo lighting up the stat sheet to LeBron James climbing even higher in the record books, teams across the league delivered compelling action with playoff-seeding implications.

     

    Pistons Rally Past Cavaliers in Tight Finish

     

    The Detroit Pistons snapped a challenging stretch with a 114–110 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, turning a big second-quarter burst into enough separation to withstand a late Cleveland push. Detroit’s 47-point second quarter proved pivotal in a back-and-forth contest.

     

    Cade Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ attack, tallying 27 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Donovan Mitchell nearly lifted the Cavs over the finish line with 30 points and strong perimeter shooting. Detroit’s ability to transition offense into stops against a veteran Cleveland roster was key to closing out the win.

     

    Magic Outscore Pacers in Offensive Showcase

     

    In a high-scoring encounter at the Kia Center, the Orlando Magic outlasted the Indiana Pacers 135–127, maintaining offensive consistency throughout all four quarters. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists, playing both scorer and facilitator, while Pascal Siakam’s 34 points and seven rebounds paced Indiana in a tough loss.

     

    The matchup reflected Orlando’s aggressive playmaking and ball movement — traits that have helped keep them competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference — while Indiana continues to hunt its first win streak of 2026.

     

    Nets Strike Back Against Nuggets

     

    At Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets used a massive 41-point third quarter to turn a tight game into a comfortable 127–115 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray was instrumental as a facilitator, posting 27 points and 16 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points and 11 rebounds to anchor Brooklyn’s balanced offensive approach.

     

    The win showcased the Nets’ ability to integrate scoring threats and playmaking around Murray, even as Denver tries to rediscover its chemistry after personnel shifts earlier in the season.

     

     

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    Heat Cruise Past Pelicans Behind Balanced Attack

     

    The Miami Heat continued their strong January form with a 125–106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Norman Powell led all scorers with 34 points, tying an efficient night with correct shot selection and active defense. Trey Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 27 points and eight rebounds, but Miami’s depth and defensive schemes proved decisive.

     

    The Heat’s sustained pressure from beyond the arc and timely rotations helped them open up looks, underscoring their position as a dangerous opponent in both halves of the floor.

     

    Timberwolves Dominate in High-Scoring Win

     

    A resurgent Minnesota Timberwolves rolled to a 141–115 victory over the Washington Wizards, led by Anthony Edwards’ 35 points, six rebounds and four steals. Minnesota’s offensive efficiency, combined with relentless transition scoring, buckled the Wizards early and often. For Washington, CJ McCollum’s 20 points offered scoring, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

     

    Suns Edge Thunder in Close Contest

    In a game that hinged on a Devin Booker clutch three, as the Phoenix Suns held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 108–105. Booker flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Jalen Williams contributed 23 points and seven assists for the Thunder. Phoenix’s ability to close possessions in clutch time made the difference in a tight encounter.

     

    Bucks Cruise With Antetokounmpo in Command

     

    The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Sacramento Kings 115–98, powered by a vintage performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who poured in 37 points and 11 rebounds. Giannis’ interior scoring and relentless drives set the tone early, allowing Milwaukee to control the rhythm and pace.

     

    Supporting roles from Kevin Porter Jr. (who posted a strong near-double figure night) bolstered the Bucks’ offensive balance, while Sacramento’s Russell Westbrook (21 points) and Zach LaVine (20 points) were unable to derail Milwaukee’s multifaceted attack.

     

    Lakers Hold Off Grizzlies and LeBron Rewrites History

     

    Closing out the night at crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to a 120–114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies behind a dominant showing from Luka Dončić (36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists). Yet the night’s narrative was not just about one game — it was about one player etching his name deeper into NBA history.

     

    LeBron James, once again influential in leading the Lakers’ offense, climbed to second all-time in career assists when combining regular-season and playoff totals, surpassing longtime assist leader Chris Paul. This places LeBron only behind NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton in career dimes — a testament to his longevity and remarkable playmaking over an unprecedented span of seasons. Stockton’s all-time assist mark (15,806) still stands as the pinnacle, but LeBron’s accumulation of over 13,700 career assists across contexts reflects his rare ability to score at the highest level while uplifting his teammates.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala in Action (Jan 6–12, 2026)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala in Action (Jan 6–12, 2026)

    A packed week awaits sports fans with wall-to-wall action across the NBA, WTA tennis, and the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. From early-morning NBA matchups and Alex Eala’s test in Auckland, to high-stakes semifinal clashes at Araneta and MOA, here’s a clean, all-in-one fixture list to keep you on track.

     

    🏀 NBA Fixtures Schedule

     

    Tuesday, January 6, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Detroit Pistons

       

    • 8:30 AM – Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics

       

    • 8:30 AM – Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors

       

    • 9:00 AM – Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets

       

    • 9:00 AM – Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder

       

    • 9:30 AM – Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers

       

    • 11:00 AM – Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers

       

    • 11:00 AM – Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers

       

    Wednesday, January 7, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs Indiana Pacers

       

    • 8:00 AM – Orlando Magic vs Washington Wizards

       

    • 9:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Memphis Grizzlies

       

    • 9:00 AM – Miami Heat vs Minnesota Timberwolves

       

    • 9:00 AM – Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans

       

    • 12:00 PM – Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings

       

    Thursday, January 8, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets

       

    • 8:00 AM – Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons

       

    • 8:00 AM – Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers

       

    • 8:00 AM – Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics

       

    • 8:30 AM – New Orleans Pelicans vs Atlanta Hawks

       

    • 8:30 AM – Orlando Magic vs Brooklyn Nets

       

    • 8:30 AM – LA Clippers vs New York Knicks

       

    • 9:00 AM – Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies

       

    • 9:00 AM – Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma City Thunder

       

    • 10:30 AM – Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs

       

    • 11:00 AM – Milwaukee Bucks vs Golden State Warriors

       

    • 11:00 AM – Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers

       

    Friday, January 9, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Indiana Pacers vs Charlotte Hornets

       

    • 9:00 AM – Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls

       

    • 9:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs Minnesota Timberwolves

       

    • 10:00 AM – Dallas Mavericks vs Utah Jazz

       

    Saturday, January 10, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics

       

    • 8:00 AM – Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic

       

    • 8:00 AM – New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards

       

    • 8:30 AM – LA Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets

       

    • 9:00 AM – Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

       

    • 10:00 AM – Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets

       

    • 10:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Phoenix Suns

       

    • 11:00 AM – Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors

       

    • 11:00 AM – Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers

       

    • 11:30 AM – Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers

       

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    Sunday, January 11, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers

       

    • 8:30 AM – LA Clippers vs Detroit Pistons

       

    • 9:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics

       

    • 9:00 AM – Dallas Mavericks vs Chicago Bulls

       

    • 10:30 AM – Charlotte Hornets vs Utah Jazz

       

    Monday, January 12, 2026

    • 4:00 AM – New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic

       

    • 4:30 AM – Brooklyn Nets vs Memphis Grizzlies

       

    • 7:00 AM – Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors

       

    • 7:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers

       

    • 8:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves

       

    • 8:00 AM – Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder

       

    • 9:00 AM – Milwaukee Bucks vs Denver Nuggets

       

    • 9:00 AM – Washington Wizards vs Phoenix Suns

       

    • 9:30 AM – Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors

       

    • 10:00 AM – Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings

       

    🎾 TENNIS — WTA 250 ASB Classic (Auckland)

    January 6, 2026  Round of 32
     ⏰ 6:00 AM*

    • 🇭🇷 Donna Vekić (Croatia)
       vs

       

    • 🇵🇭 Alex Eala (Philippines)

       

    🏀 PBA Philippine Cup — Semifinals

    January 7, 2026 (Wednesday)

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum
     Semifinals – Game 2

    • 5:15 PM – San Miguel vs Ginebra

       

    • 7:30 PM – TNT vs Meralco

       

    January 9, 2026 (Friday)

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum
     Semifinals – Game 3

    • 5:15 PM – TNT vs Meralco

       

    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel vs Ginebra

       

    January 11, 2026 (Sunday)

    📍 Mall of Asia Arena
     Semifinals – Game 4

    • 5:15 PM – San Miguel vs Ginebra

       

    • 7:30 PM – TNT vs Meralco

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     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Carl Tamayo’s KBL surge puts historic MVP run within reach as Filipino imports light up Korea

    Carl Tamayo’s KBL surge puts historic MVP run within reach as Filipino imports light up Korea

    A halfway glance at the Korean Basketball League season suggests a shift quietly taking place—and at the center of it stands Carl Tamayo.

     

    The Changwon LG Sakers forward has turned consistency into dominance, steering the league leaders to a 20-7 record while placing himself squarely in conversations rarely reserved for Asian imports, much less homegrown Filipinos. If the trajectory holds, Tamayo could carve out a piece of history as the first locally developed Filipino to capture KBL MVP honors.

     

    Tamayo’s impact has gone beyond box scores, though the numbers tell a compelling story on their own: 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while anchoring a championship-caliber squad. 

     

    Even on nights when he doesn’t explode offensively, his presence tilts games. That was evident in Changwon’s 80-62 dismantling of Seoul Samsung, where Tamayo calmly orchestrated the flow with nine points, eight boards, and six assists.

     

    An MVP season would add to an already growing résumé that includes a KBL championship with the Sakers last year. It would also place him in rare company, following Fil-Am guard Ethan Alvano, the lone Asian import to win the award back in 2024. 

     

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    Yet Tamayo’s individual rise is unfolding within a broader Filipino wave sweeping through the KBL.

    Rhenz Abando, Kevin Quiambao, Ethan Alvano, SJ Belangel, JD Cagulangan, and Justin Gutang have each carved distinct roles for their teams, from centerpiece scorers to steady stabilizers. 

     

    Abando has reignited Anyang Jung Kwan Jang’s title chase after a year away, while Alvano continues to operate at an elite level for Wonju DB Promy. Quiambao, meanwhile, has embraced the burden of leadership for Goyang Sono despite the team’s struggles.

     

    Even role players and newcomers are finding their footing. Arvin Tolentino has rediscovered his perimeter touch with Seoul SK, William Navarro is gaining momentum in Busan, and the impending arrival of Jake Figueroa adds another layer of intrigue to the season’s second half.

     

    For Tamayo, however, the spotlight burns a little brighter. With Changwon eyeing a repeat and his all-around influence growing by the week, the MVP question no longer feels speculative—it feels imminent.

     

    If the second half mirrors the first, Tamayo won’t just be leading a title defense. He may be redefining how far Filipino talent can go on one of Asia’s toughest professional stages.

     

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