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Category: Basketball

  • AJ Dybantsa emerges as likely top pick after Wizards win NBA Draft Lottery 

    AJ Dybantsa emerges as likely top pick after Wizards win NBA Draft Lottery 

    The Washington Wizards may have found the centerpiece of their rebuild after winning the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery and securing the No. 1 overall pick.

     

    With the top selection now in their hands, all signs point toward AJ Dybantsa, the highly touted BYU Cougars star who has long been viewed as the projected first overall pick in the class.

     

    The 6-foot-9 wing entered college basketball carrying enormous expectations after becoming the consensus No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025 and earning five-star status across all major recruiting platforms.

     

    Dybantsa quickly proved why he was considered one of the best prospects of his generation.

    In his lone season at BYU, he averaged a Division I-best 25.5 points per game along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 51 percent from the field across 35 starts.

     

    His dominant freshman campaign earned him several major honors, including NCAA scoring champion, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-Big 12, and the Julius Erving Award.

     

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    What has made Dybantsa especially attractive to NBA scouts is his versatility on both ends of the floor.

     

    Aside from being an elite scorer, he has shown the ability to create off the dribble, facilitate offense, defend multiple positions, and thrive both on and off the ball.

     

    One of his biggest performances came in a rivalry game against Utah, where he exploded for 43 points to break Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record at BYU.

     

    Before arriving in college, Dybantsa had already built an impressive  résumé as a prep standout. He was a McDonald’s All-American, competed in multiple Nike Hoop Summit events, and led Team USA to the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup title, where he also won tournament MVP honors.

     

    Now, with Washington officially holding the No. 1 pick, Dybantsa appears poised to become the next face of the franchise as the Wizards continue rebuilding for the future.

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. closes Osaka chapter after becoming one of Evessa’s most reliable stars 

    Ray Parks Jr. closes Osaka chapter after becoming one of Evessa’s most reliable stars 

    Ray Parks Jr. arrived in Japan searching for stability in his overseas career.

     

    Two years later, he leaves Osaka Evessa as one of the club’s most dependable players and one of the most respected Asian imports in the B.LEAGUE.

     

    Osaka officially announced Monday that Parks’ stint with the team has ended following the expiration of his contract, bringing to a close a productive chapter that helped revive the Fil-Am guard’s career abroad.

     

    “Thank you, Osaka, for embracing me from day one,” Parks said in a team statement.

    “I’m grateful to have worn this jersey and to be accepted as one of your own. Osaka will always have a special place in my heart.”

     

    While Osaka failed to reach the playoffs during the 2025-26 campaign, Parks remained one of the squad’s steady bright spots from start to finish.

     

    The 33-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 55 games this season, continuing the consistent all-around production he displayed throughout his stay with the club.

    The Evessa ended the year ninth in the Western Conference with a 23-37 record, falling short of postseason qualification despite several strong stretches from Parks.

     

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    Among his biggest performances this season was a career-high 28-point explosion against the Kyoto Hannaryz last April, along with a midseason scoring run where he delivered 20, 25, and 20 points in three straight games.

     

    But Parks’ impact in Osaka went beyond individual scoring nights.

     

    It was with the Evessa where he produced one of the finest stretches of his international career, capturing the league’s Impressive Asia Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season after posting averages of 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

     

    Across two seasons with Osaka, Parks averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, numbers that reflected both his consistency and versatility as one of the team’s focal points on both ends of the floor.

     

    Now entering another offseason, Parks once again finds himself at a crossroads — only this time with a stronger résumé, renewed momentum, and proof that his game can thrive on the international stage.

     

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  • LeBron James searching for answers as Lakers near elimination against OKC

    LeBron James searching for answers as Lakers near elimination against OKC

    The Los Angeles Lakers are staring at the brink of elimination after suffering yet another frustrating defeat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the ongoing 2026 National Basketball Association Western Conference semifinals.

     

    The Lakers fell 108-131 in Game 3 at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, May 10 (Philippine Standard Time), slipping to a daunting 0-3 deficit in the best-of-seven series. For Los Angeles, the defeat continued a troubling trend that has defined the series so far — competitive first halves undone by disastrous third-quarter collapses.

     

    Through the opening three games, the Lakers have repeatedly shown they can match the Thunder for stretches. In each contest, Los Angeles remained within striking distance during the opening half, even taking control at certain moments with efficient ball movement and improved offensive rhythm. However, every time momentum appeared to swing in their favor, Oklahoma City responded with dominant third-quarter performances that completely changed the complexion of the game.

     

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    Game 3 followed the exact same pattern.

     

    Backed by their home crowd, the Lakers looked energized early and managed to keep pace with the defending champions in the first two quarters. But once the second half began, the Thunder overwhelmed Los Angeles on both ends of the floor, exploding offensively while tightening their defensive pressure. Oklahoma City’s ability to control tempo and capitalize on transition opportunities once again exposed the Lakers’ lack of consistency and energy after halftime.

     

    Lakers superstar LeBron James did not hide his frustration following the latest loss, particularly with his team’s inability to respond in the crucial third quarter.

     

    “Well, I mean obviously the third quarter, we will start with that. We didn’t have the energy, the effort and they put a thirty-plus point quarter on us. That kinda took care of the game right there, honestly. We had moments, obviously in the first half, that was really good for us,” LeBron said after the game.

     

    “We did a good job of sharing the ball and knocking down shots. But that third quarter, we didn’t knock down shots. We didn’t defend or get stops, I would say. We defended, we didn’t get stops, and it allowed them to kind of take control of the game,” he added.

    The statistics underline just how damaging those third-quarter struggles have been for Los Angeles. Across the first three games of the series, the Lakers have been outscored by a combined 31 points in the third quarter alone — a staggering margin that has consistently erased any positive work done earlier in games.

     

    For James, who continues to shoulder leadership responsibilities in his 23rd NBA season, there appears to be no immediate explanation for the repeated collapses.

     

    “I don’t know, but obviously the numbers speak for themselves,” LeBron concluded.

     

    The Lakers’ uphill battle has become even more difficult due to the absence of superstar Luka Dončić, whose injury has significantly reduced Los Angeles’ offensive firepower and playmaking options. Without Dončić, the pressure on James has increased dramatically, forcing the veteran forward to carry a larger workload against one of the league’s deepest and most athletic teams.

     

    Despite the Lakers’ struggles and the series scoreline, Thunder guard Alex Caruso insisted Oklahoma City is not taking James lightly, emphasizing the respect the team still has for one of basketball’s all-time greats.

     

    “Everyone likes to talk about his age but it’s still LeBron James. He’s still very capable of being the best player on the court any given night that he’s playing the game. Just having that respect for him and then understanding that he’s very smart and uses the game to his advantage a lot with putting guys in position to create advantage and then take away advantage on the other end,” Caruso stated.

     

    For Oklahoma City, the series has highlighted the maturity and composure of a championship-winning squad determined to defend its crown. The Thunder have consistently adjusted well after halftime, while their defensive intensity and depth have repeatedly worn down the Lakers over the course of games.

     

    Meanwhile, Los Angeles now faces the daunting reality of a must-win Game 4. No team in NBA history has ever successfully recovered from a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, meaning the Lakers are now fighting not only to stay alive but also to avoid a humiliating sweep on their home floor.

     

    Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 (Philippine Standard Time), once again at the Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers will attempt to rediscover their energy, solve their second-half issues, and extend their season for at least one more game.

     

     

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  • Nic Cabañero, Jerrick Ahanmisi embrace growing 3×3 scene despite Manila Challenger exit 

    Nic Cabañero, Jerrick Ahanmisi embrace growing 3×3 scene despite Manila Challenger exit 

    For many of the local players who suited up in the FIBA 3×3 Manila Challenger, the weekend was less about wins and losses and more about discovering how demanding — and rewarding — the global 3×3 game can be.

     

    Even as Philippine teams bowed out of contention Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, players like Nic Cabañero and Jerrick Ahanmisi came away believing the fast-rising format can still elevate their games moving forward.

     

    Cabañero entered the tournament fresh off his stint with Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 in the recent Asian Beach Games, where the Philippines finished fourth and narrowly missed the podium.

     

    “Super thankful and grateful ako sa experience ko with the Asian Beach Games and of course sa Manila Challenger. Hindi ako makakarating dito kundi dahil kay Ma’am Erica (Dy) and Coach Ryan Guerrero. And of course, si coach Patrick Fran and the rest of the coaches,” said Cabañero.

     

    “Grateful lang talaga ako dahil iba kasi sa feeling pag nag-represent ka sa country. Kaya every time na may mga ganitong call-ups sa akin sa 3×3, take ko talaga yung opportunity doon.”

     

    The former UST standout also believes the 3×3 format is helping sharpen areas of his game that directly translate to traditional basketball.

     

    “And of course, it will help my 5-on-5 game to be developed, especially sa defense and sa offense ko. Mas ma-improve ko siya. And I think feel ko talaga na lalaki pa talaga yung 3×3 dito sa Pilipinas,” he added.

     

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    Cabañero played for SJ Del Monte alongside Aldous Torculas, Gelo Crisostomo, and Lawrence Hawkins. The team absorbed a 21-17 loss to Spain’s Fuengirola before falling to fellow Philippine squad Pasay, 21-18, in the qualifying draw.

     

    Pasay, bannered by Jeff Manday, Zed Etulle, Robbie Herndon, and Jomel Puno, eventually bowed to Fuengirola, 19-13, as the Spanish side advanced to the main draw.

     

    Meanwhile, Mandaluyong — composed of Ahanmisi, Sean Alter, Joseph Eriobu, and Dominick Fajardo — also failed to advance after losses to Germany’s Skyliners and Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.

     

    For Ahanmisi, however, the tournament marked another important chapter in his growing 3×3 journey.

     

    The Terrafirma Dyip guard recently debuted for Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 during the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, where the national team reached the quarterfinals.

     

    “I think it’s a really cool experience for me because it’s my first time in the 3×3 scene and I like it because the 3×3 scene is very electrifying, it has a lot of energy in it,” said Ahanmisi.

     

    “And especially with all of the teams around the world, you really want to know that everybody wants to win, right? So playing everybody, it really makes you better. And anything that I learned from the 3×3, I can bring it to 5-on-5.”

     

    While no local squad advanced, the tournament once again showed how Philippine players are increasingly embracing 3×3 — not just as a side event, but as another pathway for growth on the international stage.

     

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  • NBA round up: Knicks sweep 76ers as Timberwolves even series with Spurs in Playoff double-header 

    NBA round up: Knicks sweep 76ers as Timberwolves even series with Spurs in Playoff double-header 

    The NBA Playoffs produced two very different outcomes in a busy double-header of Conference Semifinals action—one series reaching a swift and decisive conclusion, while another was pushed deeper into a tense, evenly matched battle.


    In the East, one team stamped its authority early and never let up, turning the matchup into a one-sided showcase. 

     

    In the West, however, momentum continued to swing back and forth as neither side managed to gain full control of the series, setting up a dramatic finish moving forward.

     

    Knicks complete sweep of 76ers, 144–114 

     

    The New York Knicks completed a commanding sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4, overpowering them 144-114 to book a 4-0 series victory and punch their ticket to the next round.

     

    Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for New York with a strong all-around outing, finishing with 17 points and 10 assists while Miles McBride unleashed his playoff career high of 25 points, four rebounds as the Knicks maintained control from start to finish. 

     

    Philadelphia, meanwhile, leaned on a 24-point effort from Joel Embiid, but could not slow down New York’s offensive rhythm across the four-game series.

     

    The Knicks’ sweep underlined their consistency on both ends, turning what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided statement.

     

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    Timberwolves stun Spurs in Game 4, series tied 2–2 

     

    Out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves responded to level their series against the San Antonio Spurs at 2-2, pulling off a 114-109 win in Game 4.

     

    Anthony Edwards delivered a standout performance for Minnesota, finishing with 36 points and six rebounds as he powered the comeback push. 

     

    San Antonio countered with a strong all-around showing from rookie guard Dylan Harper, who tallied 24 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but the Spurs fell short in the closing stretch.

     

    With the series now evenly split, both teams head into Game 5 with everything still to play for, setting up a decisive phase in what has become a tightly contested matchup.

     

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  • Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    For Tim Cone, preparing for the 2026 Asian Games is no longer just about finding the best players available.

     

    It is also about preparing for uncertainty.

     

    Still carrying lessons from Gilas Pilipinas’ dramatic gold medal run in Hangzhou, Cone revealed that the national team is taking a far more cautious approach this time by building a much larger pool of possible candidates for the continental meet.

     

    Among those included in the initial long list is Justin Arana, although Cone quickly clarified that the inclusion should not be interpreted as a guaranteed roster spot.

     

    “We needed a long list for the Asian Games so we put a long list together. It’s a list of about 30 names,” said Cone. “Arana is part of that list obviously.”

     

    Cone explained that the expanded list is mainly a safeguard against eligibility complications similar to the ones Gilas encountered during the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the team had to make late adjustments after some players failed to meet eligibility requirements.

     

    Despite the roster chaos at the time, Gilas Pilipinas still completed a memorable gold medal run.

     

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    “This has nothing to do with the windows at this point. This is just strictly for the Asian Games,” Cone clarified, emphasizing that the long list is separate from the core pool being considered for upcoming FIBA competitions.

     

    Cone also confirmed that Mike Phillips — recently classified by FIBA as a local player — is part of the same extended pool.

     

    Rather than locking in combinations early, Cone said the coaching staff wants flexibility this far ahead of the tournament.

     

    “We don’t know the eligibility rules that are going to happen. Last (Asian Games), we had a long list put together and there were players out there that didn’t get eligible,” said the veteran coach.

    “Last Asian Games, we scrambled for players at the very end because the list wasn’t a representative of what the eligibility rules were. So we made a long list [this time] hoping that these guys will be eligible and we will have a bigger pool to pick from.”

     

    For Cone, the expanded list is less about final decisions and more about avoiding the same last-minute problems that once forced Gilas to improvise on the fly before eventually striking gold.

     

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  • “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel closed out their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round in emphatic fashion, outlasting the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed Ginebra to secure third place in the standings with a strong 9-3 win-loss record, capping off a consistent elimination round campaign. More importantly, the result dealt TNT its third consecutive defeat in the conference, raising questions about the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions’ form heading into the playoffs.

     

    Despite the loss, TNT import Bol Bol delivered another standout performance, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant individual showing. His size, skill, and versatility continued to pose major problems for opposing defenses, even as Ginebra managed to contain the overall impact of the Tropang Giga.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge of defending the former NBA standout, praising both his performance and his presence in the league.

    “Well, I mean, we feel like we played great defense against him and he still scores 33 points. It’s like we held him to 33 points tonight. He’s such a force in the game, especially here in our game,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “They talk about him so much in the NBA, too, when he’s out there playing. Everybody’s so thrilled to watch him play. We have had the honor to watch him play 12 games here now, and I think it’s an honor to have him in the country. It’s just a real challenge to go up against him. You know, this was a non-bearing game, but he came to play. That’s the kind of team and he’s the kind of player that can just elevate their game for the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s balanced attack and defensive discipline proved decisive down the stretch, allowing them to pull away in the closing minutes despite TNT’s late push. The win also served as an important momentum boost as the franchise shifts its focus to the postseason.

     

    With the elimination round now complete, the Gin Kings enter the quarterfinals brimming with confidence and holding a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Friday, May 15, back at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    As the playoffs begin, Ginebra’s strong finish positions them as one of the top contenders, while TNT will look to regroup after a rough end to the eliminations, hoping to rediscover their championship form in do-or-die territory.

     

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Kevin Quiambao’s clutch play keeps Goyang Sono alive in KBL Finals thriller against Busan KCC 

    Goyang Sono refused to bow out of the KBL Finals just yet, and Kevin Quiambao was right at the heart of that survival push.


    Facing a 0-3 series deficit and staring down elimination, the Skygunners finally broke through in Game 4 on Sunday with a razor-thin 81-80 victory over Busan KCC, keeping their championship hopes alive in the best-of-seven showdown.

     

    Quiambao played extended minutes without relief and delivered a composed all-around performance, finishing with 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in 40 minutes on the floor.

     

    More than the numbers, it was his late-game decision-making that helped shift the momentum in Goyang’s favor.

     

    Goyang controlled the first half and built a comfortable 47-36 lead, only for Busan KCC to respond with a dominant 28-14 third quarter that flipped the script and gave them a 64-61 advantage entering the final period.

     

    With the championship seemingly within reach for Busan after taking a 79-77 lead late in the fourth, Quiambao made the crucial read that changed everything. 

     

    24 seconds left, he drew the defense in from the corner and delivered a timely extra pass that set up Lee Jong Hyun’s go-ahead basket, putting Goyang ahead 80-79.

     

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    Busan’s Heo Hoon then split his free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining to level the game at 80-all, but the Skygunners still had one final answer. 

     

    Lee Jong Hyun was fouled with just 0.9 seconds left and calmly sank the decisive free throw to complete the comeback escape.

     

    Busan KCC’s William Navarro remained out of action in the contest. The series now shifts again on Wednesday, May 13, where Goyang will attempt to extend the Finals to a Game 6 and continue its improbable fight back from the brink, while Busan gets another chance to clinch the championship.

     

    Beyond the box score, the Finals have highlighted a growing theme in KBL coverage, Goyang Sono’s resilience against a more experienced Busan squad built around late-game execution and physical defense. 

     

    League reports surrounding the matchup have consistently noted Busan’s championship pedigree as a major factor in the series, while also pointing to Goyang’s younger core—led by Quiambao—as a group gaining valuable high-pressure experience despite the deficit. 

     

    For now, Goyang survives—and Quiambao’s steady presence has ensured the series is not over just yet.

     

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    When the game tightened and the pressure peaked, RJ Abarrientos looked completely unfazed.

     

    With TNT threatening to steal momentum late Sunday night, the young guard delivered the biggest shot of the game to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a tense 93-86 victory over TNT Tropang 5G at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Abarrientos drilled a booming three-pointer off an inbound play with 48 seconds remaining, stretching Ginebra’s lead to 91-83 and effectively sealing the win that secured the No. 2 seed entering the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

     

    The victory completed a strong elimination-round finish for the Barangay, who won seven of their last eight games to end up with a 9-2 record.

     

    “We didn’t talk at all about who we’ll play,” said Tim Cone. “We just wanted to come out and play up to our standard, and make sure we put a good game together. Everybody on the floor did their job. I’m really pleased.”

     

    “As it turns out, we end up playing against Phoenix, and they have been good all conference long,” he added. “We know we have our work cut out for us. But right now we’re just focused on playing one game.”

     

    Justin Brownlee once again anchored Ginebra with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Abarrientos added 17 points to earn Player of the Game honors.

     

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    But beyond the numbers, it was Ginebra’s balance that stood out.

     

    Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Isaac Go, and Ralph Cu all made timely contributions, while Japeth Aguilar marked his return from a lung injury with six points and three rebounds in limited minutes.

     

    “Ginagawa lang namin at pinaguusapan namin as a team is we just play our game, bumalik kami sa fundamentals namin,” said Abarrientos.

     

    TNT, meanwhile, continued to struggle entering the playoffs despite another monster effort from Bol Bol, who exploded for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

     

    The defending champions erased a 15-point deficit and even pulled within one point early in the fourth quarter behind Jayson Castro, but Ginebra repeatedly answered every push.

     

    After Bol trimmed the gap to three with just over three minutes left, Abarrientos took over completely — first with a difficult looping shot over the towering import, then with the dagger triple that silenced TNT’s comeback hopes.

     

    The loss sent TNT to its third straight defeat and dropped the Tropang 5G to the No. 8 seed, setting up a difficult quarterfinal matchup against top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, heads into the playoffs carrying momentum, confidence, and a young guard increasingly comfortable taking over the biggest moments.

     

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  • Paul Lee sparks Magnolia’s surge ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals

    Paul Lee sparks Magnolia’s surge ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals

    Magnolia may have already secured its place in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, but the Hotshots made sure to enter the next stage carrying something even more valuable and at the center of that late-season surge was veteran guard Paul Lee.


    The 35-year-old rediscovered his touch just in time as Magnolia dismantled Meralco, 93-76, to cap off its elimination round campaign with a third consecutive victory. 

     

    While the Hotshots leaned on collective execution throughout the night, it was Lee’s sudden scoring burst in the second quarter that changed the complexion of the game.

     

    Coming off the bench, Lee poured in 13 points along with three rebounds and three assists in only 15 minutes of action. More importantly, he provided the spark that allowed Magnolia to wrest control early.

     

    With Meralco briefly keeping the game within reach, Lee ignited a decisive momentum swing by scoring seven unanswered points. He first knocked down a four-pointer before following it up with a personal 3-point run that fueled a massive 16-0 Magnolia surge and stretched the lead to 26-15.

     

    Lee finished an efficient 3-of-4 from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, while also converting half of his attempts from the free-throw line.

     

    “I think ‘yun lang ‘yung nangyari kanina, nagkaroon lang ng konting mistakes ‘yung Meralco kaya ako na-open. Luckily na-shoot ko ‘yung mga tirang ‘yun,” said Lee.

     

    For the veteran scorer, the performance was less about forcing offense and more about being prepared when opportunities finally appeared.

     

    “Pahinga lang siguro, laking bagay sa akin nung after last game, meron kaming couple of days going into this game, so tinake advantage ko lang,” he said.

     

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    The bounce-back outing came at an important moment for Lee, who struggled in Magnolia’s previous win over TNT where he managed only four points before exiting late after a collision with teammate Jerom Lastimosa caused a head injury scare.

     

    Instead of lingering on that rough outing, Lee responded with his best scoring game of the conference. His resurgence also coincides with a noticeable increase in responsibility under head coach L.A. Tenorio. 

     

    After seeing limited opportunities earlier in the conference, Lee has gradually become more involved in the Hotshots’ rotation during the closing stretch of the eliminations.

     

    “Credit to Coach LA, lagi niya kaming nireremind na ‘pag wala namang kailangang gawin, magpahinga na lang kami sa bahay. ‘Yun lang ginawa ko,” the three-time league champion said.

     

    Before exploding against Meralco, Lee averaged 6.5 points across Magnolia’s previous two games, including their matchup against Titan Ultra, while seeing extended minutes averaging 24 per outing.

     

    But beyond the numbers, Lee emphasized that Magnolia’s recent rise has been anchored on discipline within Tenorio’s system — one built on patience, spacing, and trusting.  

     

    “Sa team naman, tinatakbo lang namin ‘yung dapat naming takbuhin, ‘yung system ni Coach. Basta ready ka lang dapat sa mangyayari sa flow namin kasi hindi mo alam kung kailan ka ma-wa-wide open kasi read-and-react ‘yung ginagawa namin. Sino ‘yung best available na player, ‘yun talaga ‘yung dapat tumira,” the veteran player said.

     

    The challenge, however, comes immediately as Lee and the Hotshots will face the Bolts once again in the quarterfinals on May 13 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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