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Category: Basketball

  • Tuesday NBA Round up: Mitchell Drops 45, Hawks Rally, Hornets Roar

    Tuesday NBA Round up: Mitchell Drops 45, Hawks Rally, Hornets Roar

    A full slate of games Tuesday showcased scoring fireworks, veteran leadership, and some surprising results as teams jockey for position in both conferences.

     

    Hawks Rally to Beat Pacers, 132–116

     

    The Atlanta Hawks stormed back from a second-half deficit to down the Indiana Pacers 132–116, powered by a dominant 17–0 run in the third quarter that turned the tide. Led by CJ McCollum’s 23 points, Atlanta overcame sloppy early defense and a Pacers double-digit lead, with key contributions from Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson helping maintain the Hawks’ momentum. The win improves Atlanta’s record and keeps them in the hunt in the crowded Eastern Conference.

     

    Hornets Explode in Blowout of 76ers, 130–93

     

    The Charlotte Hornets made a statement with a dominant home performance, routing the Philadelphia 76ers 130–93. Charlotte’s offense was relentless from the opening tip, building a big early lead and never looking back. B. Miller starred with 30 points and 8 rebounds, while Philadelphia struggled to find rhythm throughout. The Sixers’ defeat leaves them needing a bounce-back effort to solidify their playoff positioning.

     

    Mitchell Erupts for 45, Cavaliers Top Magic, 114–98

     

    Over in Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell put on a showcase performance with 45 points to lift the Cavaliers past the Orlando Magic 114–98, marking Cleveland’s fourth straight win. Mitchell’s scoring outburst helped the Cavs seize control in the second quarter and maintain it all night, highlighted by strong rebounding and improved shooting efficiency. Orlando’s Paolo Banchero had 37 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough against Cleveland’s balanced attack.

     

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    Celtics Hold Off Trail Blazers, 102–94

     

    The Boston Celtics continued their steady play with a 102–94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Boston led for much of the second half, with Jayson Brown pacing the effort on both ends of the floor. Portland kept things competitive behind T. Camara’s 18 points and 8 boards, but Boston’s depth ultimately made the difference.

     

    Lakers Cool Off Bulls Behind Doncic’s Masterpiece, 129–118

     

    In one of the night’s marquee performances, Luka Dončić torched the Chicago Bulls for 46 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 129–118 victory. It was Dončić’s eighth 40-point game of the season and a historically efficient night — he became one of the only Lakers to record 45+ points with double-digit assists and multiple threes, joining franchise icons such as Kobe Bryant in rare company. LeBron James added 24 points, while Rui Hachimura paced the supporting cast with 23. Chicago’s hopes of stealing momentum were dashed despite strong scoring from Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.

     

    Rockets Edge Grizzlies, 108–99

     

    The Houston Rockets continued their strong stretch with a 108–99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Alperen Şengün led the way with a monster night — 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists — combining interior scoring and creative playmaking as Houston pulled away late. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a solid stat line for Memphis, but the Rockets’ balanced effort proved decisive.

     

    Timberwolves Roll Past Warriors, 108–83

     

    Closing out the night, the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Golden State Warriors 108–83. Minnesota controlled the paint and exploited Golden State’s struggles on offense, with Rudy Gobert anchoring both ends with 15 points and 17 rebounds. The blowout punctuated the Wolves’ consistency and highlighted ongoing growing pains for Golden State’s offense.

     

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  • Chris Ross playing through Achilles injury for San Miguel in Philippine Cup finals

    Chris Ross playing through Achilles injury for San Miguel in Philippine Cup finals

    Just when it appeared that TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez reminded everyone that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals still belonged to him.

     

    In a pulsating Game 3 that swung wildly from quarter to quarter, Perez delivered one of the most ruthless closing performances of the series, erupting for 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lift San Miguel Beer to a 95–89 victory over TNT. The win, achieved in front of a loud and energized Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, pushed the Beermen to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals and reaffirmed their championship pedigree.

     

    While Perez grabbed the headlines with his late-game heroics, San Miguel’s victory also came with a quieter, grittier storyline—one defined by sacrifice and toughness. Veteran guard Chris Ross has been playing through pain in his Achilles tendon as he continues to suit up for the Beermen in their title push.

     

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    Despite clearly not being at full strength, Ross has remained determined to contribute however he can, leaning on experience and leadership as San Miguel battles through a tightly contested series.

    “It’s still tight, but I just have to fight through it. The good thing is, we have two more days before the next game, so I can get a bit healthier to try and help the team,” Ross said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The injury is not new. Ross has been dealing with the Achilles issue since the semifinals, and his condition appeared to worsen during Game 3. At the 11:08 mark of the third quarter, the 40-year-old guard took a hard fall that left him visibly limping as he made his way to the bench. He did not return to the game after the incident, raising concerns about his availability moving forward.

     

    Even from the sidelines, Ross remained focused on the bigger picture, praising his teammates for stepping up and stressing the importance of staying grounded despite the series lead.

     

    “My guys got my back, they played well tonight, we got the win. That’s all that matters. We take it game by game. The series is far from over, they are a really good team and we know they will make adjustments,” he added.

     

    Ross’ leadership has long been a cornerstone of San Miguel’s success, and his willingness to play through pain reflects the urgency and stakes of the Finals. Whether he can return to action will be closely monitored as the series progresses, especially with TNT expected to respond with renewed intensity.

     

    San Miguel will hope that the veteran guard can recover enough to take the floor when Game 4 between the two teams tips off on Wednesday, January 28, once again at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as the Beermen look to tighten their grip on the Philippine Cup crown while TNT fights to level the series.

     

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  • “My concern is our fatigue”: Rey Nambatac wants TNT to work on their stamina ahead of Game 4

    “My concern is our fatigue”: Rey Nambatac wants TNT to work on their stamina ahead of Game 4

    Just when it appeared that TNT had finally seized control of the night, CJ Perez made it clear that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals still ran through him.

     

    In a gripping Game 3 that swung sharply from quarter to quarter, Perez delivered a ruthless closing performance, erupting for 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to carry San Miguel Beer to a 95–89 victory over TNT before a raucous Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win pushed the Beermen to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series and once again highlighted their ability to execute under pressure.

     

    Perez was relentless down the stretch, attacking the defense, finishing through contact, and knocking down timely baskets as San Miguel erased TNT’s late advantage. His fourth-quarter takeover flipped the momentum of the game and underscored why he remains one of the most feared closers in the league.

     

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    Despite falling behind in the series, TNT guard Rey Nambatac expressed confidence that the Tropang Giga can still rebound and reclaim control of the Finals. However, he did not shy away from identifying fatigue as a growing concern for his team, particularly in high-pressure moments late in games.

    “For me, we only need to adjust a little because our coaches have laid out the plans. My concern is our fatigue. We couldn’t take care of the lead and when we try to protect our lead, the tendency is we get tired and we lose our advantage,” Nambatac said after the game.

     

    The physical toll of the contest was evident in the closing minutes, especially for TNT’s frontline. Star big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser showed clear signs of exhaustion after logging more than 40 minutes of action. While he still produced a solid double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, his fatigue late in the game limited TNT’s ability to match San Miguel’s intensity and execution when it mattered most.

     

    As the Beermen ramped up their defensive pressure and pace in the final period, TNT struggled to generate quality looks and secure crucial stops, allowing San Miguel to dictate the tempo down the stretch.

     

    With little room for error moving forward, Nambatac emphasized the need for improved stamina and conditioning as the series progresses. Facing a must-win situation, TNT knows it cannot afford another late-game fade.

     

    “In this next game or our next practice, we need to prepare more on stamina and our conditioning,” he added.

     

    The Finals now shift to a pivotal stretch, with TNT looking to even the series and San Miguel aiming to tighten its grip on the championship. Game 4 of the Philippine Cup Finals between the two teams is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where intensity, execution, and endurance are once again expected to decide the outcome.

     

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  • From semifinal foes to All-Star teammates as RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liano face Adrian Nocum-led Juniors

    From semifinal foes to All-Star teammates as RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liano face Adrian Nocum-led Juniors

    What the playoffs kept apart, the All-Star Weekend is about to bring together.

     

    After trading blows as opponents in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between Barangay Ginebra and Converge, RJ Abarrientos and Juan Gomez de Liano are set to wear the same colors — if only for a night — as fan-chosen leaders of the Rookies-Sophomores squad in the Season 50 PBA All-Star side event.

     

    The unlikely pairing will take center stage during the March 6–8 festivities in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where the revived Rookies-Sophomores vs Juniors clash returns as a prelude to the main All-Star Game.

     

    Fan voting made the reunion possible. Abarrientos topped all first- and second-year players with 42,862 votes, edging out Converge big man Justine Baltazar (38,022) and Gomez de Liano (37,802) to headline the youthful lineup. 

     

    On the other side, Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum emerged as the leading vote-getter for the Juniors with 38,710 votes, setting up a marquee showdown between the league’s rising present and its near-future stars.

     

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    The matchup carries a sense of unfinished business for the league. The format was meant to return during last year’s All-Star Weekend in Davao but was shelved at the last moment due to security concerns, with the event falling a week before the mid-term elections. Its last actual appearance dates back to 2019 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, when the Rookies-Sophomores edged the Juniors 141–140 on a dramatic Jvee Mocon putback.

     

    This year’s cast brings no shortage of intrigue. Joining Abarrientos and Gomez de Liano on the Rookies-Sophomores side are Sedrick Barefield (32,246), Jerom Lastimosa (31,208), Caelan Tiongson (30,840), Kai Ballungay (28,466), CJ Cansino (28,094), Sonny Estil (24,026), Dalph Panopio (23,136), Mark Nonoy (20,498), and Felix Lemetti (19,890) — a mix of creators, slashers, and athletic forwards.

     

    Standing in their way is a Juniors squad stacked with familiar names and rising stars. Alongside Nocum are Ricci Rivero (38,020), Holt (35,584), Zavier Lucero (35,120), Brandon Bates (28,008), Ralph Cu (27,806), Christian David (25,852), Kim Aurin (25,142), Kenneth Tuffin (25,576), Fran Yu (23,602), Deschon Winston (21,412), and Cade Flores (20,370).

     

    For Abarrientos and Gomez de Liano, the All-Star stage offers something rare — a chance to turn rivalry into rhythm, if only temporarily. And for fans, it’s exactly the kind of crossover the weekend was made for.

     

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  • NBA Round up: Clippers, Pistons, Warriors rout opponents in dominating fashion 

    NBA Round up: Clippers, Pistons, Warriors rout opponents in dominating fashion 

    The NBA delivered a full slate of action on Monday, January 26, 2026, with several teams making bold statements in the race for playoff positioning. From the Clippers’ dominant win over the Nets to the Pistons’ high-scoring blowout of the Kings, and the Warriors’ defensive showcase against the Timberwolves, the night was packed with standout performances and shifting momentum across the league. Even in tighter contests like the Raptors-Thunder showdown and the Pelicans’ road victory in San Antonio, the day’s results offered a clear reminder: the season is heating up, and every win matters.

     

    Clippers Run Past Nets, 126–89

     

    The LA Clippers put the Brooklyn Nets in cruise control from the opening tip, cruising to a 126–89 victory behind a standout 28 points from Kawhi Leonard. Leonard’s strong performance — part of his season’s continued resurgence — sparked LAC on both ends of the floor. D. Wolf led Brooklyn with 14 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to slow the high-powered Clippers offense, which dominated in front of the home crowd. LAC continues to solidify its Western Conference positioning with another convincing win.

     

    Pistons Dominate Kings, 139–116

     

    In Detroit, the Pistons flexed offensive muscle by rolling past the struggling Sacramento Kings 139–116. Cade Cunningham starred with 29 points and 11 assists, orchestrating Detroit’s attack as they ran their home record to 19–5 and claimed their fifth win in six games. Jalen Duren chipped in 18 points on efficient shooting, while Tobias Harris added 16. Sacramento couldn’t keep pace despite Malik Monk’s 19 points, and the loss extended the Kings’ struggles this season.

     

    Warriors Dominate Timberwolves, 111–85

     

    Back on the court after a postponed game, the Golden State Warriors clamped down defensively against the Minnesota Timberwolves, blowing them out 111–85. Stephen Curry led the charge with 26 points and 7 assists, igniting a second-half surge that saw GSW outscore Minnesota 64–39 after intermission. Despite a strong individual effort from Anthony Edwards (32 points, 11 rebounds), the Wolves suffered their fifth straight loss in a game marked by defensive intensity and sharp spacing from the Warriors.

     

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    Raptors Edge Thunder, 103–101

     

    In a tightly contested battle, the Toronto Raptors held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 103–101. Immanuel Quickley paced Toronto with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander narrowly outscored him with 24 points and 6 assists for OKC. The Raptors’ balanced attack late in the fourth proved just enough to tip the result in their favor in a thriller that went down to the wire.

     

     

    Pelicans Triumph Over Spurs, 104–95

     

    The New Orleans Pelicans delivered a strong performance in San Antonio, topping the Spurs 104–95. Zion Williamson posted 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Victor Wembanyama responded with 16 points and 16 boards for SA. New Orleans built an early lead and maintained it through the fourth quarter to secure the road win, snapping a brief skid while giving Pelicans fans something to cheer about.

     

     

    Heat Down Short-Handed Suns, 111–102

     

    The Miami Heat took advantage of a shorthanded Phoenix Suns squad to score a 111–102 victory. Bam Adebayo led Miami with 22 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 20 points and 6 assists in a balanced effort. Phoenix was missing key backcourt production, with Devin Booker sidelined by an ankle sprain and Jalen Green listed day-to-day, impacting the Suns’ rhythm on both ends. 

     

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  • Derrick Rose’s No. 1 joins Chicago legends in the rafters as Bulls retire former MVP’s jersey 

    Derrick Rose’s No. 1 joins Chicago legends in the rafters as Bulls retire former MVP’s jersey 

    Long before the banner climbed into the rafters, Derrick Rose was already feeling the weight of the moment.

     

    By the time the Chicago Bulls finished off the Boston Celtics on Saturday night and prepared to retire his No. 1, the emotions had been building for days — even years. This was never just about basketball. This was about a kid from Chicago’s South Side coming full circle in the same building where he once carried a city’s hopes on his shoulders.

     

    “I had someone or a journalist ask me, ‘Man, did you cry?’ I told him I cry every day,” Rose said. “And he asked about what. Being joyful, knowing where I grew up, knowing my coming back here, my being practical with knowing the economy, with me being there, and the neighborhoods. And you just know.

     

    “That’s one of the reasons why I came back, is to curate things and to employ people.”

     

    With the ceremony, Rose joined an exclusive group — Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4), and Bob Love (10) — as the only Bulls players to have their jerseys retired. But Saturday night felt less like an individual accolade and more like a shared victory between Rose and the city that raised him.

     

    The arena leaned into the emotion. Rose wiped away tears as former teammates Taj Gibson, Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah took turns honoring him, followed by a heartfelt tribute from coach Tom Thibodeau. When Rose addressed his mother, his older brothers, his wife, and his three children, his voice cracked again. There were tears — but there were smiles too — as the banner was finally unveiled.

     

    Rose had already seen it once. A day earlier, the Bulls shared a video of his first private look at the banner. In it, a wide-eyed Rose walks to center court, whispering, “wow, are you serious?” as he stares at the unfurled No. 1. He crouches, reaches out, and gently rubs the fabric before being joined by family and former teammates Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, and Kirk Hinrich.

     

    Noah summed it up simply in the clip, calling the moment “our championship moment.”

    Saturday’s celebration felt personal down to the details. Black Rose jerseys waited on every seat. Video messages from Jordan and Pippen played on the big screen. And in a signature Rose touch, bouquets from Rose’s Flower Shop were left in both locker rooms before tip-off.

    “He instilled that heart, he instilled that trust in us and that made us come out and fight for you every single night,” Gibson told the crowd.

     

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    Thibodeau, meanwhile, praised not just Rose’s brilliance but his character.

     

    “The next stop, in my opinion, is the Hall of Fame and there is no doubt about that,” he said.

    The jersey retirement was another chapter in a story the Bulls began honoring earlier this year. On January 4, 2025, Chicago paid tribute to Rose during a game against New York, a symbolic nod to the numbers he wore with the Bulls, Knicks, and Simeon Career Academy — and the night the franchise officially announced plans to retire his jersey.

     

    Drafted No. 1 overall in 2008, Rose’s rise was meteoric: Rookie of the Year, All-Star, then NBA MVP by age 22 — still the youngest ever to win the award. The devastating ACL injury in the 2012 playoffs changed everything, forcing him to miss nearly two seasons and pushing him to question whether he would continue playing at all.

     

    He finished his career with averages of 17.4 points and 5.2 assists across 723 games, scoring 21 points per game before the injury and 15.1 afterward. But Rose has never framed his career around loss.

     

    At 37, his focus has shifted well beyond the court — toward family, business ventures like his flower shop, and community work, including promoting chess among at-risk youth in Chicago. Basketball, at least in a professional sense, is no longer the destination.

     

    “Everybody thinks the the path or the motif was, ‘All right, after you get done, you gotta go back and be around basketball,’” Rose said. “I didn’t want that. I wanted to curate things or be in lanes that nobody was in. Coming from Chicago, when you tend to enter lanes that people are in, you step on toes and certain things can happen.

     

    “So with me having that in mind, I wanted curate things so that I don’t have to worry about any competition.”

     

    On a cold Chicago night, fans still showed up, filling the United Center to witness a moment years in the making — something Rose didn’t take for granted.

     

    “All this, the moment, I’m still trying to take in, I’m still trying to process in real time,” he said. “And yeah, and just feeling grateful, you know what I mean? Like knowing the weather conditions out there, knowing that it’s a Chicago thing to even show up here, to fight through that and still go to an event. It’s huge, so it’s something that I’m grateful for.”

     

    In the rafters now hangs a simple No. 1 — a reminder that greatness doesn’t always follow a straight line, and that for Derrick Rose, the loudest legacy has always been his connection to home.

     

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  • CJ Perez turns MOA into his stage as San Miguel steals Game 3 from TNT 

    CJ Perez turns MOA into his stage as San Miguel steals Game 3 from TNT 

    Just when it looked like TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez decided the Finals still belonged to him.

     

    In a Game 3 that swung wildly by the quarter, Perez unleashed one of the most ruthless closing acts of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, pouring in 17 of his 20 points in the fourth to drag San Miguel Beer past TNT, 95–89, and into a 2–1 series lead before a loud Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    San Miguel had already shown its teeth early, storming to a 33–16 first-quarter lead, only to lose the plot completely in the second. TNT punched back with a stunning 31–11 run, flipping the game on its head and heading into halftime up 50–44, with momentum firmly in Tropang 5G hands.

     

    The fourth quarter turned into a pressure cooker. After SMB let an 86–79 cushion evaporate, TNT briefly looked ready to seize full control. Rey Nambatac’s three with 1:17 left pushed TNT ahead, and moments later, a San Miguel shot-clock violation followed by Henry Galinato’s dunk gave the Tropang 5G an 89–86 edge with under a minute remaining.

     

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    That was when Perez went hunting.

     

    The former Finals MVP buried a massive four-pointer to wipe out TNT’s lead, then calmly drilled another triple to stretch San Miguel’s advantage to 93–89 with 12.3 seconds left, flipping desperation onto the other bench. TNT chased a miracle four to force overtime, but Jordan Heading’s attempt came up empty. Marcio Lassiter sealed the escape with ice-cold free throws in the final seconds.

     

    Behind Perez’s late explosion, Don Trollano chipped in 19 points, while June Mar Fajardo authored another monster night with 16 points, 27 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring the Beermen through every swing of momentum.

     

    TNT had its chances. Calvin Oftana’s 25 points, including a late three that cut the deficit to two, kept the Tropang 5G alive deep into crunch time. But when the game demanded a closer, San Miguel had one ready to swing—and he didn’t miss.

     

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  • PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 2 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 2 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    Game 1 didn’t just give TNT Tropang 5G an early series lead — it reshaped the tone of this Finals. What looked like a runaway turned into a nerve-wracking finish, and by the final buzzer, it was TNT’s composure that stood tallest over San Miguel’s trademark late push.

     

    Now, with TNT up 1–0, Game 2 becomes a pressure game — especially for the Beermen.

    For three quarters on Wednesday night, TNT dictated everything. Pace, spacing, ball movement — all of it favored the Tropang 5G as they carved out a 19-point lead and had San Miguel scrambling. Their depth showed early, with waves of contributors keeping the floor balanced and the Beermen out of rhythm.

     

    But Finals basketball rarely follows a straight line.

     

    San Miguel did what San Miguel does. The Beermen slowed the game down, turned the paint into a wrestling match, and leaned on June Mar Fajardo to grind their way back. Twice in the final seven minutes, they were within a single point — and suddenly, TNT’s early cushion meant nothing.

     

    What separated Game 1, though, was TNT’s collective poise. There was no singular hero. Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser answered momentum swings with timely buckets, Kelly Williams stabilized the offense with veteran decision-making, and Jordan Heading — despite battling illness — calmly iced the game at the line. Six TNT players in double figures underscored how balanced their attack was.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, had enough chances to steal the opener. Missed opportunities late by Fajardo and Don Trollano proved costly, especially after defensive stops from Mo Tautua’a and Jericho Cruz briefly swung momentum back their way. The Beermen showed their championship DNA — but not enough finishing execution.

     

    Heading into Game 2, the storylines flip slightly.

     

    TNT will aim to clean up late-game execution and avoid letting another big lead evaporate. Their depth, ball movement, and ability to score by committee remain their biggest weapons — particularly with RR Pogoy still sidelined.

     

    San Miguel’s task is more urgent. Down 0–1, the Beermen must convert their late pressure into results. Expect sharper half-court execution, heavier inside touches for Fajardo, and a renewed emphasis on limiting TNT’s secondary creators. If the Beermen can turn their fourth-quarter surge into a full-game presence, the series can swing quickly.

     

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    Key Matchups

     

    TNT’s depth vs. San Miguel’s star power
     Six double-digit scorers won Game 1 for TNT. San Miguel needs its top guns to outweigh that balance.

    Late-game execution
     TNT survived crunch time once. San Miguel knows they let an opportunity slip.

    Interior battle
     Fajardo (24 points, 17 rebounds) was dominant again. The question is whether TNT can keep sending multiple bodies without giving up timely kick-outs.

     

    Sportsbook Odds (approximate)

     

    Moneyline
     San Miguel Beermen: ~1.70
     TNT Tropang 5G: ~2.05

    Point Spread
     San Miguel Beermen –2.5 (~1.88)
     TNT Tropang 5G +2.5 (~1.96)

    Total (Over/Under)
     Over 192.5 (~1.90)
     Under 192.5 (~1.92)

     

    Prediction

     

    San Miguel Beermen

    Game 1 showed TNT can control stretches — but it also showed San Miguel is never truly out of a Finals game. With urgency on their side and clear areas to adjust, the Beermen are poised to respond. Expect a tighter, more physical contest where San Miguel’s experience finally translates into a complete 48-minute effort.

     

    Best Bet

     

    San Miguel Beermen –2.5

    Down 0–1, San Miguel is unlikely to waste another close finish. Their ability to rebound from setbacks and tighten execution makes them a strong bounce-back play in Game 2.

     

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  • Titan Ultra owner Bryann Calantoc says negotiations with Greg Slaughter are ongoing for a potential PBA return

    Titan Ultra owner Bryann Calantoc says negotiations with Greg Slaughter are ongoing for a potential PBA return

    Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Greg Slaughter is set to make a highly anticipated return to competitive basketball after signing with the Zamboanga Valientes for the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championship. The 37-year-old veteran center, one of the most dominant big men of his generation in Philippine basketball, welcomed the opportunity to return to action and once again test himself at a high level of competition.

     

    Slaughter, who last saw extended action in the PBA several seasons ago, described the chance to compete internationally as a refreshing step in his comeback journey. His stint with the Valientes also reunites him with several familiar faces and places him in a talent-laden roster assembled to contend in the prestigious Dubai tournament.

     

    Joining Slaughter on the Valientes’ lineup are former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Vic Manuel, PBA scoring ace Terrence Romeo, Barkley Ebona, Nick Demusis, former NBA No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, and collegiate standout Forthsky Padrigao. The blend of seasoned veterans, international experience, and youthful talent has generated buzz around the team’s prospects in the tournament.

     

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    Beyond his immediate return with Zamboanga, Slaughter has also expressed strong interest in making a full comeback to the PBA, a development that could excite Filipino basketball fans eager to see the former top overall pick back in Asia’s oldest professional league. That possibility gained further traction after Titan Ultra Giant Risers team owner Bryann Calantoc confirmed that management is once again in discussions with Slaughter regarding a potential return.

    It is worth noting that Slaughter’s PBA signing rights remain with Titan Ultra following the company’s acquisition of the NorthPort franchise. With the current Giant Risers roster lacking size and interior presence, Calantoc sees Slaughter as a possible solution to bolster the team’s frontcourt moving forward.

     

    “Well, we are looking at the possibility of activating Slaughter for our next conference, hopefully the negotiations turn out positive this time,” Calantoc said in a media interaction.

     

    The Pureblends Corp. president also revealed that Slaughter continues to draw interest across the league, with multiple teams reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring the veteran center. While Calantoc declined to identify the teams involved, reports have linked franchises such as the Phoenix Fuel Masters, NLEX Road Warriors, and Converge FiberXers to inquiries about Slaughter’s availability.

     

    “I’d rather not divulge the names of the teams because basically those are just exploratory. But right now, the priority is to see how Slaughter will complement our current roster. We will observe the Valientes’ games in Dubai and see how he will fit in our system. We heard Slaughter has been working out so much to improve his game,” he added.

     

    For Slaughter, the Dubai International Basketball Championship represents more than just a short-term assignment. It serves as a proving ground — a chance to demonstrate that he still has the conditioning, skill, and physical presence to compete at a high level. Strong performances in Dubai could accelerate his path back to the PBA and solidify his place in the league once again.

     

    As the Valientes prepare to take on international competition, all eyes will be on Slaughter and how he anchors the team’s interior. Whether this return marks the beginning of a full-fledged PBA comeback or simply another chapter in his professional journey, the veteran center’s reemergence has already reignited excitement among fans and teams alike.

     

     

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  • “It’s the nature of the business”: Draymond Green on LeBron James–Jeanie Buss tensions

    “It’s the nature of the business”: Draymond Green on LeBron James–Jeanie Buss tensions

    Former Los Angeles Lakers owner and current governor Jeanie Buss recently found herself at the center of controversy following a report that detailed alleged behind-the-scenes tensions between her and Lakers superstar LeBron James — tensions that reportedly predate the franchise’s landmark sale.

     

    The report, published by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, suggested that Buss privately felt James should have expressed more gratitude after the Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The draft pick created one of the most historic storylines in league history, as LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to share the court in the NBA.

     

    “And when the Lakers drafted James’ son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt that he wasn’t, people close to the team told ESPN,” the report stated.

     

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    However, Buss swiftly pushed back against the narrative, issuing a statement to The Athletic defending James and calling the report “completely unfair.”

     

    “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”

    The report also suggested that Buss’ alleged frustration with James dates back several years, with some speculation pointing to the aftermath of the Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021. That trade, which was intended to pair Westbrook with James in a superteam scenario, ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving the roster with limited flexibility and the organization searching for solutions. According to the ESPN report, Buss privately considered drastic options at the time, including the possibility of not offering James a contract extension, and even exploring hypothetical trade scenarios that could have sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers.

     

    Golden State Warriors star and longtime friend of James, Draymond Green, weighed in on the situation during a recent episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show. Green expressed shock at the report and questioned its accuracy, while also suggesting that some friction may have been amplified by family dynamics and the franchise sale.

     

    “Someone in the Buss family is very pissed off at Jeanie. Probably they didn’t agree with the sale. Probably didn’t have much control of it, and this is their way of getting back,” Green said.

     

    “Could Jeanie have had some problems with LeBron? I’m sure. It’s the nature of the business. I’m sure she had some issues,” he added, but emphasized that the claims about Bronny’s draft pick were likely misinterpreted or exaggerated.

     

    The controversy has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many defending James’ professionalism and long-standing commitment to the Lakers. Since joining Los Angeles in 2018, James has led the team to multiple playoff runs and a championship in 2020, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

     

    Despite the swirling rumors, Buss’ statement makes it clear that she holds James in high regard, praising his contributions both on and off the court and condemning the notion that he did not appreciate the organization.

     

    As the Lakers continue to navigate a new era under recent ownership changes, this episode serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that exist behind the scenes in professional sports — where family, business, and basketball intersect. While tensions may occasionally surface in the media, the mutual respect between James and the organization appears to remain intact, underscoring the superstar’s enduring impact on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

     

     

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