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Category: Basketball

  • Historic snub: LeBron James’ historic 21-year All-NBA streak comes to an end

    Historic snub: LeBron James’ historic 21-year All-NBA streak comes to an end

    The National Basketball Association (National Basketball Association) officially wrapped up its 2025–26 season awards cycle on Monday, May 25 (Philippine Standard Time), releasing the All-NBA Teams that once again spotlighted a mix of established superstars, emerging franchise cornerstones, and record-breaking young talents across the league.

     

    As anticipated, the All-NBA First Team closely aligned with the season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) narrative, headlined by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continued his ascent as one of the league’s defining forces on both ends of the floor. He was joined by Denver Nuggets centerpiece Nikola Jokić, who added yet another milestone to his historic résumé with a fifth All-NBA First Team selection, further cementing his place among the most decorated big men in league history.

     

    San Antonio Spurs generational talent Victor Wembanyama also earned his first career All-NBA First Team selection, marking a significant leap in his rapid rise as one of the most dominant defensive and two-way presences in the modern game. His inclusion underscores the NBA’s continued transition into a new era led by young international and American stars.

     

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    Completing the First Team are Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, both of whom were granted eligibility exceptions by the league after falling short of the standard 65-game threshold due to injury-related absences. Their selections highlight the league’s ongoing balancing act between strict availability rules and recognition of elite-level performance when players are healthy.

    While the First Team featured familiar and rising names, one of the most notable storylines from this year’s All-NBA announcement was the absence of Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James from all three teams—officially ending his unprecedented 21-year All-NBA selection streak.

     

    James’ streak began in the 2004–05 season, when he earned his first All-NBA Second Team honor alongside Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Ray Allen. Over the next two decades, he remained a constant fixture on the league’s elite lists, including his selection last season alongside Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Evan Mobley, and Jalen Brunson, further reinforcing his longevity at the highest level of the sport.

     

    This season, however, James was ruled ineligible after falling short of the NBA’s 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards. He ultimately appeared in 60 games, missing the start of the campaign due to sciatica affecting his lower back. Despite the setback, he still delivered a strong statistical output, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while guiding the Lakers to a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference standings.

     

    Los Angeles went on to reach the postseason but was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, closing another chapter in a season that again showcased James’ enduring impact even as he navigates the later stages of his career.

     

    Looking ahead, significant speculation continues to surround James’ future in the league. The 41-year-old forward is currently on an expiring $52.6 million contract, and while he has yet to publicly confirm his plans, reports indicate that several contending teams are monitoring his situation closely as he weighs his next move.

     

    As the NBA transitions into a new era of superstars led by names like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama, Dončić, and Cunningham, the 2025–26 All-NBA selections reflect both the league’s evolving hierarchy and the closing of one of its most iconic individual eras.

     

     

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  • TNT seek to strengthen semifinal hold and take 3-1 lead over Meralco amid import shake-up 

    TNT seek to strengthen semifinal hold and take 3-1 lead over Meralco amid import shake-up 

    Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals arrives with more than just a series lead on the line, it carries the weight of constant adjustments and shifting import dynamics between TNT Tropang 5G and Meralco Bolts.


    Set Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the matchup sees TNT holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, despite a turbulent stretch that saw them play without an import and still emerge with a crucial Game 3 escape act.

     

    Even in adversity, TNT proved its resilience. Stripped of an import following the season-ending injury to Bol Bol during a prior outing, the Tropang 5G absorbed a 76-87 defeat that briefly tied the series before responding with a narrow but vital 77-75 victory last Sunday.

     

    That Game 3 win was defined by composure rather than comfort as RR Pogoy delivered the decisive moment, drilling a go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds after Chris Newsome briefly gave Meralco a late 75-74 edge. 

     

    The Bolts had one last chance to extend the game, but missed close-range attempts sealed their fate and handed TNT a hard-earned series lead.

     

    Now, both teams enter Game 4 with significantly altered arsenals. TNT is set to welcome back former San Miguel import Chris McCullough, a familiar presence in the conference who previously powered a championship run in 2019. 

     

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    While he stands shorter than the injured Bol Bol, McCullough’s inside-out versatility and experience are expected to provide TNT with both stability and scoring balance.

     

    On the other side, Meralco is responding with a major gamble of its own, bringing in new import Patrick Gardner to replace Marvin Jones after a difficult stretch in the series.

     

    Jones had been productive statistically with 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, but efficiency issues and inconsistent finishing mirrored Meralco’s broader offensive struggles. The Bolts now hope Gardner’s size and presence can provide a different dimension immediately in his PBA debut.

     

    Still, the biggest challenge may not be the imports themselves — but how the locals adapt around them.

     

    For Meralco, Chris Newsome has carried much of the offensive burden, averaging 15 points per game, while support from CJ Cansino, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Chris Banchero has been inconsistent throughout the series.

     

    In contrast, TNT has maintained a more balanced attack, with contributions spread across Calvin Oftana, Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and rotational support from Rey Nambatac and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

     

    With both teams introducing new imports at a critical stage of the series, Game 4 is shaping up less as a continuation and more as a reset.

     

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  • New York Knicks book ticket to first NBA Finals in 27 years after rout of Cleveland

    New York Knicks book ticket to first NBA Finals in 27 years after rout of Cleveland

    The New York Knicks delivered a statement performance on the road, dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 to complete a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals and secure a long-awaited return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

     

    What was expected to be a competitive series ended with New York firmly in control from start to finish, as the Knicks not only closed out the matchup but extended their winning streak to 11 straight games.

     

    It marked their second consecutive playoff series sweep, underlining a postseason surge that has turned them into one of the league’s most unstoppable teams.

     

    The win also placed the Knicks in rare historical territory. They became the fifth team in NBA history to win 11 or more consecutive games in a single postseason, joining elite championship-caliber runs from the 2017 Warriors, 2001 Lakers, 1999 Spurs, and 1989 Lakers.

     

    From the opening tip of Game 4, the tone was set early. The Knicks immediately took control of possession and dictated the pace, with their defensive pressure disrupting Cleveland’s rhythm, forcing difficult looks, and sparking transition opportunities that quickly swung momentum fully in New York’s favor.

     

    By halftime, the gap had already widened significantly, and any hopes of a Cavaliers comeback were quickly fading as New York continued to apply relentless pressure on both ends of the floor.

     

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    Karl-Anthony Towns anchored the Knicks’ dominance with a strong all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. His presence inside proved decisive, controlling the boards, finishing through contact, and stabilizing New York in half-court sets whenever they needed a reset.

     

    OG Anunoby delivered another impactful two-way outing with 17 points, while Landry Shamet provided a valuable spark off the bench, contributing 16 points and helping sustain offensive momentum during key stretches.

     

    For the Cleveland Cavaliers, the night was defined by missed opportunities and isolation-heavy offense that struggled to keep pace with New York’s ball movement and defensive intensity.

     

    Despite the defeat, Donovan Mitchell continued to show fight, finishing with 31 points and four rebounds while carrying much of Cleveland’s scoring load. However, the Cavaliers were unable to generate consistent support around him, and as the Knicks’ lead grew, their offense became increasingly forced, allowing New York to take full control of the game’s rhythm.


    The final buzzer confirmed a series that was never truly in doubt after New York found its stride. From Game 1 onward, their defensive discipline, rebounding edge, and balanced scoring proved too much for Cleveland to overcome.

     

    As the celebration followed the sweep, Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player, capping off a commanding series run that reflected his leadership and steady control of the Knicks’ offense throughout the playoffs.

     

    Now, with a historic sweep complete, an 11-game winning streak intact, a 27-year Finals drought finally ended, and a conference title secured, the Knicks march forward to the NBA Finals with momentum and belief at an all-time high.

     

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  • Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    TNT’s championship defense suddenly found itself hanging by a thread over the weekend. One moment, the Tropang 5G were leaning on the dominant presence of Bol Bol in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. 

     

    The next, they were scrambling to rebuild after the towering import suffered a torn left Achilles that abruptly ended his conference.

     

    But amid the chaos, TNT chose familiarity over panic.

     

    After exploring multiple options and even bringing in former University of the Philippines standout Malick Diouf for practice sessions, coach Chot Reyes revealed that the team is now leaning toward former San Miguel Beer champion import Chris McCullough as the man tasked to stabilize TNT’s title bid.

     

    McCullough was already courtside with team manager Jojo Lastimosa during TNT’s gutsy 77-75 Game 3 victory over Meralco at the Mall of Asia Arena — a symbolic sign that the franchise may already have found its next answer.

     

    For Reyes, the decision was never just about talent. It was about minimizing disruption at the most critical stage of the season.

     

    “It’s very ticklish because on one end, introducing a new element to the team can always go both ways. It can give us a jolt of energy. But it can also get in the way of already how smooth things are going with the team,” said Reyes.

     

    Instead of gambling on a completely unfamiliar reinforcement, TNT appears to be banking on McCullough’s proven ability to adapt quickly to the Philippine game. The 6-foot-10 forward already owns a Commissioner’s Cup championship after leading San Miguel Beer to the 2019 title — ironically at TNT’s expense.

     

    “I think the stability and maturity of somebody who’s been here already has won before,” Reyes explained. “When a new import comes in, there’s a lot of adjustments. Adjustment to the time, the weather, the culture, the kind of game. And then adjustment with his teammates. So with McCullough, at least those variables we’ve taken out already, adjustment na lang with his teammates.”

     

    The urgency behind TNT’s search became more apparent after the franchise exhausted several emergency options. Former NBA players Marquese Chriss and Darius Days were initially explored, while Diouf even joined practice in hopes of becoming a short-term solution. But paperwork delays prevented the former UP big man from suiting up in Game 3, forcing TNT to survive with an all-Filipino lineup.

     

    Remarkably, the Tropang 5G still found a way.

     

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    Roger Pogoy delivered the decisive triple late in the game, while TNT’s local core rallied around the emotional loss of Bol Bol to grab a crucial 2-1 series lead against Meralco.

     

    The victory became more than just a playoff win. It became a tribute.

     

    “It was disappointing losing Bol, losing our teammate, losing our brother,” said TNT forward Poy Erram Ganuelas-Rosser after the game. “Coach said that he messaged him and said he really wanted to be out here. So we want to go out there and dedicate the game to him and play for him.”

     

    “He carried us here so hopefully, we can bring us across the finish line and we could finish the job. We have a core of guys that when our back is against the wall, we find ways. Today, like the coach said, a couple of lucky bounces, a couple of plays that we made, we came out with the win. But it’s only one win in the series.”

     

    Now TNT hopes McCullough can provide the steady presence needed to finish what Bol Bol started.

     

    The former NBA forward arrives fresh from a stint with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, where he averaged 16.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during the 2025-26 campaign. More importantly, he arrives knowing exactly what the pressure of winning in the PBA feels like.

     

    And for a TNT team suddenly forced to adjust in the middle of a semifinal war, that familiarity may end up mattering most.

     

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  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

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    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

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  • From fake papers to game-fixing: 5 scandals that shook the Philippine basketball scene

    From fake papers to game-fixing: 5 scandals that shook the Philippine basketball scene

    Philippine sports has always thrived on passion, drama, and emotion. We celebrate victories like national holidays, turn athletes into icons, and treat rivalries like family feuds. But just as unforgettable as the championships and heroic moments are the controversies that shook the country and forced leagues, schools, and organizations to change.

     

    Some scandals damaged reputations. Others exposed deep flaws in the system. A few even changed Philippine sports forever.

     

    Here are five controversies that left a lasting mark on the local sports landscape.

     

      1. The Fil-foreign controversy that changed the PBA forever

     

    The late 1990s brought a revolution to the PBA.

     

    Suddenly, fans were watching a new wave of bigger, more athletic, and more skilled Fil-foreign players dominate the league. Stars like Asi Taulava, Danny Seigle, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, and Eric Menk helped usher in one of the league’s most exciting eras.

     

    But as the Fil-foreign boom grew, so did suspicions surrounding the legitimacy of some players’ documents.

     

    The issue became so massive that the Senate stepped in to investigate several athletes accused of falsifying papers to pass as Filipinos. The controversy created tension across the league, reportedly dividing some local players and Fil-foreign stars.

     

    In the end, only Sonny Alvarado was proven to have fake Filipino documents, effectively ending his PBA career overnight.

     

    Still, the scandal permanently changed how Philippine basketball handled eligibility, citizenship, and player verification — issues that remain relevant even today in both the PBA and national team programs.

     

    1. The La Salle ineligibility scandal that stunned the UAAP

    Few collegiate programs in the country carry the prestige of the De La Salle University Green Archers.

     

    That’s why the 2005 revelation involving ineligible players hit the UAAP like an earthquake.

     

    At the center of the controversy were players Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian, who were found to have falsified school documents during the 2003-2004 seasons. The fallout was enormous.

     

    La Salle’s men’s and boys’ basketball teams were suspended for the entire 2006 season. The Green Archers were also stripped of their 2004 championship and 2005 runner-up finish.

     

    More than the sanctions, however, the scandal sparked a larger debate about how serious and commercialized collegiate basketball had become in the country.

     

    The pressure to win had seemingly blurred the line between school pride and business.

     

    Ironically, La Salle’s redemption came quickly. In their very first season back from suspension, the Green Archers won the 2007 UAAP title — one of the most dramatic comeback stories in Philippine collegiate sports history.

     

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    1. The VisMin game-fixing scandal that embarrassed Philippine basketball

    There are bad games. Then there was the infamous 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup matchup between the ARQ-Lapu-Lapu City Heroes and the Siquijor Mystics.

     

    The game became a national embarrassment after bizarre sequences, questionable plays, and unusually poor execution triggered immediate accusations of game-fixing from fans, players, and basketball personalities online.

     

    The match was eventually stopped at halftime with Lapu-Lapu leading just 27-13. Officials cited a power interruption, but investigations quickly followed.

     

    The backlash was brutal.

     

    Sponsors threatened to pull out. PBA players publicly criticized the game. The Siquijor Mystics were eventually expelled from the league, while several individuals from Lapu-Lapu received suspensions.

     

    More importantly, the controversy became a wake-up call for smaller leagues trying to gain credibility in Philippine basketball.

     

    The incident reinforced how dangerous integrity issues can be for a sport where public trust means everything.

     

      4.Kiefer Ravena’s suspension exposed the country’s anti-doping problem

     

    When Kiefer Ravena tested positive for banned substances in 2018, many fans were shocked not just because of the suspension itself — but because of how it happened.

     

    Ravena explained that he unknowingly consumed prohibited ingredients through a pre-workout drink. FIBA later pointed to a lack of anti-doping education as a major factor behind the violation.

     

    The incident sidelined one of the country’s biggest basketball stars from FIBA-sanctioned competition and became one of the highest-profile anti-doping cases involving a Filipino athlete.

     

    But the controversy also highlighted a major issue in Philippine sports: many athletes simply lacked proper education regarding supplements and banned substances.

     

    In the years that followed, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission increased anti-doping awareness campaigns, while Ravena himself became more vocal about educating athletes on supplement safety.

     

    It was a costly lesson — but one that likely prevented future mistakes from other athletes.

    1. The UST bubble training controversy during the pandemic

    At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict quarantine rules were still in place nationwide, the UST Growling Tigers found themselves at the center of one of the most controversial stories in recent UAAP memory.

     

    Reports surfaced that the team, then coached by Aldin Ayo, held a training camp in Sorsogon despite health restrictions.

     

    The issue exploded publicly after team captain CJ Cansino left the program, triggering further revelations and player exits.

     

    Eventually, multiple players departed the team and Ayo resigned from his position.

     

    Beyond the violations themselves, the controversy exposed the intense pressure programs faced to stay competitive even during a global health crisis.

     

    It also forced schools and leagues to reevaluate athlete welfare, accountability, and the culture surrounding elite collegiate sports in the country.

     

    In many ways, these scandals became turning points.

     

    Some damaged reputations. Others exposed uncomfortable truths. But all of them forced Philippine sports to evolve — whether through stricter rules, better education, tighter eligibility checks, or stronger accountability.

     

    And perhaps that’s why these controversies remain unforgettable years later: because even in failure, they changed the game.

     

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  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama headline 2025–26 All-NBA First Team

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama headline 2025–26 All-NBA First Team

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) officially concluded its 2025–26 season awards cycle on Monday, May 25 (Philippine Standard Time), unveiling the All-NBA Teams in a release that highlighted both established superstars and rising young talent across the league.

     

    As expected, the All-NBA First Team closely mirrored the results of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race, with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the selections. The Oklahoma City Thunder star earned his fourth consecutive First Team honor, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier two-way guards and the central figure of his franchise’s continued rise.

     

    Joining him on the First Team is Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić, who added another accolade to his decorated résumé with his fifth career All-NBA First Team selection. The three-time MVP continued to showcase his unique all-around brilliance throughout the season, anchoring Denver’s offense with elite playmaking, scoring efficiency, and rebounding from the center position.

     

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    San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama also made history, securing his first-ever All-NBA First Team selection. In just his second season, the 7-foot-4 standout solidified his place among the league’s elite, delivering a dominant campaign on both ends of the floor and signaling the Spurs’ long-term return to contention.

     

    Rounding out the First Team selections are Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, both of whom were granted eligibility exceptions by the league after initially falling short of the standard games-played requirement for end-of-season awards due to injury-related absences. Their inclusion reflects the league’s acknowledgment of their impact when healthy, with both players posting standout numbers in limited action.

    Dončić continued to display his signature offensive brilliance, orchestrating the Lakers’ attack with elite scoring and playmaking, while Cunningham emerged as the centerpiece of Detroit’s rebuilding efforts, showcasing improved efficiency, leadership, and versatility before his season was interrupted.

     

    The 2025–26 All-NBA First Team ultimately underscores a blend of established dominance and emerging excellence, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, and Dončić representing the league’s elite guard-forward core, while Wembanyama and Cunningham highlight the NBA’s next generation of franchise-changing talents.

     

     

    2025-26 All-NBA First Team:

     

    • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
    • Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
    • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
    • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

    2025-26 All-NBA Second Team:

     

    • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
    • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
    • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
    • Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
    • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)

    2025-26 All-NBA Third Team:

     

    • Jalen Duran (Detroit Pistons)
    • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
    • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
    • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

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  • “Rondae called me and he made it happen”: Chris McCullough on return to PBA as TNT’s new import

    “Rondae called me and he made it happen”: Chris McCullough on return to PBA as TNT’s new import

    TNT Tropang Giga have officially signed former NBA player Chris McCullough as their new import for the remainder of the knockout phase of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as the franchise looks to sustain its championship push following a major setback in the semifinals.

     

    The move comes after TNT lost star import Bol Bol to a serious Achilles injury sustained during Game 2 of their semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The injury abruptly ended what had been a dominant campaign for Bol, forcing TNT to move quickly to reinforce their roster ahead of the decisive stretch of the conference.

     

    Despite the disruption, the Tropang Giga showed resilience, edging Meralco 77-75 in Game 3 on Sunday, May 24, also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, to seize a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. McCullough was already present at the venue, observing his new teammates in action as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the PBA stage.

     

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    TNT management wasted little time in securing the 31-year-old forward, a familiar name to Philippine basketball fans. McCullough acknowledged that his decision to return to the PBA was influenced heavily by a conversation with TNT guard and former teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, with whom he shared NBA experience during their stint with the Brooklyn Nets from 2015 to 2017.

     

    “Rondae called me and he made it happen. That’s the end of the story,” McCullough said.

    McCullough is no stranger to the PBA, having previously suited up for the San Miguel Beermen during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. In that campaign, he made a significant impact, leading the Beermen to a championship while delivering consistent, high-level performances throughout the conference and establishing himself as one of the most effective imports in recent league history.

     

    Now returning to the Philippines, McCullough expressed both excitement and urgency as he prepares to join TNT in a high-stakes semifinal environment. He is expected to make his debut in Game 3 of the series against Meralco on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where immediate production will be expected from the veteran forward.

     

    “I think when I step on the court on Wednesday, it will hit me a little differently. But I’m just still happy to be here. Just ready to get out there and play. Taking it one game at a time. That’s about it,” he added.

     

    McCullough steps into a crucial role for TNT, filling the void left by Bol Bol, who had been one of the standout imports of the season prior to his injury. The pressure will be immediate, as the Tropang Giga are firmly in contention for a Finals berth and will rely on McCullough to quickly integrate into their system.

     

    TNT head coach and management are expected to lean on the import’s experience, versatility, and familiarity with the PBA’s physical style of play as they attempt to maintain momentum in the series against a resilient Meralco squad.

     

    Acknowledging the circumstances of his arrival, McCullough also expressed sympathy for his injured predecessor while emphasizing his commitment to the team’s goals moving forward.

     

    “It’s sad to see an injury like that, but hopefully he can get back home and get surgery. I just want to help this team win as possible, do what I got to do, just play basketball,” McCullough concluded.

     

     

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  • Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio Spurs rout of Oklahoma City Thunder as West Finals series evens at 2-2 

    Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio Spurs rout of Oklahoma City Thunder as West Finals series evens at 2-2 

    The San Antonio Spurs answered in emphatic fashion, using a commanding two-way performance to dismantle the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-82, in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals and level the series.


    Victor Wembanyama set the tone on both ends of the floor, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in a performance that highlighted his growing control of the matchup.

     

    His presence inside and on the perimeter disrupted OKC’s rhythm from the opening stretches and never let the Thunder fully settle into their offense.

     

    Oklahoma City struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 19 points and seven assists while battling constant defensive pressure from San Antonio’s length and rotations.

     

    Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points inside, while Isaiah Joe chipped in 11 points, but the Thunder lacked enough secondary firepower to keep pace in a physical game.

     

    Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle provided crucial support for the Spurs, scoring 13 points each to help ease the offensive load on Wembanyama. 

     

    Their timely buckets helped San Antonio maintain spacing and punish Oklahoma City whenever they overcommitted to the paint.

     

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    The Spurs came out with urgency after a tightly contested start, gradually wearing down the Thunder with physical defense and disciplined half-court execution. 

     

    Once San Antonio established control of the paint, it forced Oklahoma City into tougher perimeter looks and limited their second-chance opportunities.

     

    A key stretch late in the second quarter swung momentum firmly toward the Spurs, as they strung together stops and converted them into quick transition points. 

     

    That run helped San Antonio enter halftime with a comfortable cushion and fully seize control of the contest.

     

    Oklahoma City attempted to respond with pace and rotation adjustments, but the Spurs consistently countered by protecting the rim and closing out sharply on shooters. 

     

    Even when the Thunder generated clean looks, they struggled to sustain any offensive rhythm against San Antonio’s defensive structure.

     

    By the fourth quarter, San Antonio controlled tempo and physicality, allowing its starters to manage the closing minutes comfortably. 

     

    Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends ensured there would be no late Thunder surge, as the Spurs secured a convincing win to even the Western Conference Finals at 2-2 heading into Game 5.

     

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  • Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    With no import to lean on and momentum slipping away in the final seconds, TNT turned to its toughness and to Roger Pogoy.


    Pogoy drilled the game-winning three with 7.4 seconds left as the Tropang 5G escaped with a thrilling 77-75 victory over Meralco on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, seizing a 2-1 edge in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.

     

    The veteran player answered immediately after Chris Newsome knocked down a clutch triple that briefly pushed the Bolts ahead, 75-74. TNT wasted no time on the other end, isolating Pogoy for the decisive shot that completed another gutsy performance from the all-Filipino squad.

     

    Playing their first game since the departure of import Bol Bol, the Tropang 5G leaned entirely on their local core and found enough firepower and composure to outlast a Meralco side bannered by import Marvin Jones.

     

    TNT appeared headed for defeat after trailing 72-66 late in the fourth quarter, but Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams fueled a pivotal 8-0 run that swung the momentum and briefly restored a 74-72 lead before the frantic finish unfolded.

     

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    The Bolts still had chances to steal the game, but missed attempts from CJ Cansino and Jason Brickman in the closing moments allowed TNT to preserve the narrow win.

     

    Rey Nambatac paced the Tropang 5G with a conference-best 18 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong stretch in the playoffs. Calvin Oftana added 15 points and seven boards, while Jordan Heading chipped in 12 markers as TNT showcased its depth with nine players contributing at least two points.

     

    “More than the caliber and depth of our team, I think it’s our heart, really. All of our discussions in practice, even before any kind of game planning, were just about setting our minds right that we have a chance,” coach Chot Reyes said.

     

    “Yesterday, our discussion was because we’re all-Filipino without Bol, we cannot match Meralco’s energy and effort. We have to overcome it. We have to find a way to put in more energy and effort. I think that’s how the game panned out,” he added.

     

    Jones finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds for Meralco, while Newsome added 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists in the losing effort.

     

    Game 4 is set for Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, where TNT is expected to unveil either Malick Diouf or Chris McCullough as its new import.

     

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