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Category: Basketball

  • NBA Roundup: Raptors outlast Sixers in OT, Thunder roll on, Anthony Edwards game-winner as close finishes highlight busy Monday 

    NBA Roundup: Raptors outlast Sixers in OT, Thunder roll on, Anthony Edwards game-winner as close finishes highlight busy Monday 

    A packed NBA slate on Monday, January 12, delivered drama across the league, featuring an overtime thriller in Toronto, narrow finishes in Minnesota and Memphis, and statement wins from contenders Oklahoma City and Denver.

     

    Raptors Edge 76ers in Overtime Classic

     

    Toronto survived a late scare to outlast Philadelphia, 116–115, in overtime at Scotiabank Arena. Tyrese Maxey erupted for a game-high 38 points for the Sixers, but Scottie Barnes answered with a dominant all-around performance of 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists to lift the Raptors in the extra period.

     

    Magic Pull Away Late vs. Pelicans

     

    Orlando used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from New Orleans, 128–118. Anthony Black led the Magic with 26 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Trey Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the loss.

     

    Grizzlies Hold Off Nets

     

    Memphis leaned on timely stops to secure a 103–98 home win over Brooklyn. Santi Aldama anchored the defense with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Tyrese Martin led the Nets with 17 points.

    Knicks Outgun Blazers on the Road

     

    New York continued its strong form with a 123–114 win over Portland. Jalen Brunson stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, while Deni Avdija countered with 25 points and three steals for the Trail Blazers.

     

    Timberwolves Escape Spurs by One

     

    Minnesota survived a late San Antonio push, edging the Spurs 104–103. Victor Wembanyama dominated with 29 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but Donte DiVincenzo’s 19-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist effort helped the Timberwolves close it out by a game-winning midrange shot by Anthony Edwards who himself dropped 23 points .

     

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    Thunder Stay Hot Against Heat

     

    Oklahoma City continued its surge with a convincing 124–112 victory over Miami. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 29 points and eight assists, while Andrew Wiggins led the Heat with 23 points in defeat.

     

    Nuggets Slip Past Bucks in Denver

     

    Denver held off Milwaukee, 108–104, in a physical matchup at Ball Arena. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a near triple-double with 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, but Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 25 points proved crucial for the Nuggets.

     

    Suns Shut Down Wizards

     

    Phoenix cruised to a 112–93 win over Washington behind a balanced effort. Alex Sarr stood out for the Wizards with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, while Royce O’Neale matched him with 19 points and seven boards for the Suns.

     

    Hawks Fly Past Warriors

     

    Atlanta overpowered Golden State, 124–111, behind Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 30 points in the loss.

     

    Kings Finish Strong vs. Rockets

     

    Sacramento closed the night with a 111–98 win over Houston. Amen Thompson delivered a monster performance for the Rockets with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but DeMar DeRozan’s 22 points and six assists guided the Kings to the home victory.

     

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  • Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Central to TNT’s win was Poy Erram, who delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring the Tropang Giga with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also adding nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping TNT seize control early and maintain it throughout the game.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, struggled without their star player and captain Chris Newsome, who missed the game due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain on his left knee. Newsome confirmed he will also miss Game 5.

     

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    “Right now it’s just going through the recovery process, taking the precautions I need to do for me to be able to get back on the court. So listening to the team doctors and the team physicians and just taking it one step at a time till I am able to get back on the court,” Newsome told reporters.

     

    The 35-year-old guard added that he expects to be sidelined for at least three to five weeks, depending on how his injury heals.

     

    “There is a possibility it could be shorter, depending on the severity of the sprain. Right now we are just waiting for the inflammation to go down a bit. And I will be able to clear things up to where we have a better timeline for my return.

    “Game 5 that will be a tough one to try to reach. But it does help that we have an extra day between the game. So, I will be doing my share of recovery work from now until Wednesday so I can get out on the court. But it’s already a good sign I am able to work and stand on my own,” he added.

     

    Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo also confirmed Newsome’s status, noting that the situation “doesn’t look too good.”

     

    “You know, the MRI showed that it’s clear. But at this point, I think his priority has to be his health. We will see. So, I don’t see him playing the next game also. If ever, it might be next week,” Trillo said.

     

    Despite the injury setback, both Newsome and Trillo remain confident that Meralco can stage a comeback in the semifinal series.

     

    “It’s gonna take a complete team effort to try to get this, to try to turn this thing around. But again, it’s not impossible. It’s just gonna be really tough. We just gotta take it one possession at a time, one game at a time,” Newsome said.

     

    “We have to be better. It’s not over. We have to just focus on that next Wednesday game. We have to do things better,” Trillo added.

     

    Meralco will look to bounce back in Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, hoping to extend the series and keep their Finals hopes alive.

     

     

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  • Kevin Durant surpasses Wilt Chamberlain to move 7th on NBA all-time scoring list

    Kevin Durant surpasses Wilt Chamberlain to move 7th on NBA all-time scoring list

    The Houston Rockets fell short of expectations against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, January 10 (Philippine Standard Time) at the Moda Center, dropping a 111-105 decision in the ongoing 2025-26 NBA season.

     

    Despite the loss, the night belonged to Kevin Durant, who etched his name further into NBA history by surpassing Wilt Chamberlain to move into seventh place on the league’s all-time scoring list. Durant achieved the milestone with a jumper at 7:57 remaining in the third quarter. Entering the game needing 15 points to pass Chamberlain’s 31,422 career points, Durant now trails only Dirk Nowitzki, who sits sixth with 31,560 points.

     

    “To be amongst the greats is always an honor. Wilt is somebody I studied and tried to look up to as much as I can, a player like that. Like I always say, he set a standard for NBA players and I’m grateful to reach that and inspired by what he produced for the game of basketball. These milestones always have me reflecting on the people that helped me get to this point, the journey that I have been through, the close calls, and the things that could have gone wrong plenty of times in my life,” Durant said after the game.

     

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    “So to be here, very, very grateful, and Portland is such a classy, classy city for recognizing me in that moment and honoring me,” he added.

    Durant, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, also passed the 8,000-rebound mark during the game, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Durant has also played for the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and now the Houston Rockets.

     

    At 37 years old, Durant’s resume speaks for itself. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 2014 NBA MVP, two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, four-time NBA scoring champion, and a 15-time NBA All-Star, among many other honors.

     

    Top 10 All-Time NBA Scorers

    1. LeBron James – 42,575 points 
    2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 points 
    3. Karl Malone – 36,928 points 
    4. Kobe Bryant – 33,643 points 
    5. Michael Jordan – 32,292 points 
    6. Dirk Nowitzki – 31,560 points 
    7. Kevin Durant – 31,435 points 
    8. Wilt Chamberlain – 31,419 points 
    9. Shaquille O’Neal – 28,596 points 
    10. James Harden – 28,563 points 

    While the Rockets will look to regroup after Saturday’s setback, Durant’s personal achievement served as a bright spot for Houston and a reminder of his enduring greatness in the league.

     

     

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  • “I’m sick of this s**t”: Jaylen Brown lashes out at the officiating after Celtics’ loss to Spurs

    “I’m sick of this s**t”: Jaylen Brown lashes out at the officiating after Celtics’ loss to Spurs

    The Boston Celtics are enjoying a strong campaign in the ongoing 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, posting a 24–14 record to sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. Their balanced roster, efficient offense, and improved defensive chemistry have allowed them to remain among the conference’s elite despite grappling with injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the season.

     

    However, the Celtics’ momentum stalled on Sunday, January 11 (Philippine Standard Time), after a 95–100 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden. The defeat was frustrating not only because it came on home court, but also due to the officiating—at least in the eyes of star wing Jaylen Brown.

     

    Brown expressed visible displeasure with the calls—or lack thereof—throughout the game and did not hold back after the final buzzer. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he posted, “Fine me I’m sick of this st.”** According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Brown later doubled down during his postgame media availability, saying, “I will take the f*g fine. The inconsistency is crazy. Give me the fine.”

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    On the floor, Brown delivered another standout performance, keeping the Celtics competitive with 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 11-of-28 from the field and 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. But the stat line also revealed the source of his frustration: not a single free throw attempt. Boston, as a team, shot only four free throws the entire night—an unusual figure for a squad known for its aggressive drives and physical play. By contrast, the Spurs attempted 20 free throws, capitalizing on every opportunity to extend their lead and maintain control.

     

    Despite the loss and the officiating issues, Brown continues to anchor the Celtics’ offense in the absence of franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined due to injury. The 29-year-old guard-forward is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 29.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting an efficient 49.9 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range. His ability to shoulder the scoring load, facilitate plays, and defend multiple positions has kept Boston firmly in the upper tier of the East.

     

    While Jaylen Brown’s frustration reflects a deeper concern about officiating consistency in the NBA, it also underscores the pressure he carries as the Celtics’ primary leader during Tatum’s absence. Boston will need cooler heads and continued high-level performances from Brown as they navigate the heart of the season and push for better playoff positioning. If the team can maintain its form and regain full health, the Celtics remain a legitimate contender in a competitive Eastern Conference landscape.

     

     

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  • “Just try to stay aggressive”: Poy Erram happy to contribute as TNT take a 3-1 lead over Meralco

    “Just try to stay aggressive”: Poy Erram happy to contribute as TNT take a 3-1 lead over Meralco

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Poy Erram delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring TNT’s dominance with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also tallying nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping the Tropang Giga seize control early and never look back.

     

    For Erram, the standout performance marked a meaningful return to form following the knee injury that sidelined him in 2025. Now 36, the veteran center said he simply focused on staying aggressive.

     

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    “Nangyari na lang siya. Ako, I just tried to stay aggressive. Luckily, na-shoot yung mga tira ko. Grabe rin yung tiwala sa akin ng teammates ko, and I just stayed ready,” Erram said in the post match press conference.

    Despite recovering, Erram has seen limited action this conference, averaging just 6.2 minutes per game while playing behind Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and Henry Galinato in the team’s rotation.

     

    Still, the former Gilas Pilipinas big man remains committed to contributing in whatever way he can, especially with TNT missing key players Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Kelly Williams (illness), and Rey Nambatac (ankle).

     

    “Kahit limited yung minuto ko, I make it a point na pinapanood ko yung film, then sinisigaw ko yung plays ng kalaban para alam ng teammates ko kung ano yung tinatakbo nila. Wala namang conscious effort, and not necessarily sa offense, but on defense,” he added.

     

    Head coach Chot Reyes praised Erram’s professionalism and readiness despite inconsistent playing time.

     

    “I just keep telling him: ‘Ready ka lang.’ Whether he plays or not at all, we just tell him to stay ready. He also puts in the work during practice, so moments like this are exactly what it’s for,” Reyes said.

     

    TNT now aims to close out the series in Game 5, set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena felt less like a routine semifinal slate and more like a referendum on belief, balance, and timing.

     

    On one end of the floor, Scottie Thompson authored a performance that instantly etched itself into PBA lore. On the other hand, a long-overdue breakout from Poy Erram reshaped another series entirely. By night’s end, both Barangay Ginebra and TNT had rewritten the momentum of their respective matchups in emphatic fashion.

     

    Ginebra’s 105-91 comeback win over San Miguel was not merely about survival—it was about perspective. Down by as many as 14 early, the Kings leaned on their emotional compass, and Thompson responded with the most complete game of his career.

     

    The former MVP poured in a career-high 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, steering Ginebra back from the brink and knotting the series at 2-2. 

     

    The triple-double placed him in rare air, a feat last achieved by Ronnie Magsanoc during the 1990 All-Filipino Conference, per league statistics.More than the numbers, it was the timing that defined Thompson’s night. 

     

    His nine points during a decisive 12-3 run flipped a fragile one-point San Miguel edge into a commanding Ginebra cushion midway through the fourth. From there, the Kings never looked back.

     

    Yet this was not a one-man rescue. Japeth Aguilar’s steady 14 points and six rebounds stabilized the interior, while Norbert Torres’ trio of triples—including the shot that finally pushed Ginebra ahead for good—punctured San Miguel’s resistance. 

     

    Jayson David and RJ Abarrientos added pace and polish, and the Kings’ 34 assists reflected a team rediscovering its identity at precisely the right moment.

     

    For San Miguel, CJ Perez’s 22 points and Chris Ross’ 20 kept them competitive, but the Beermen struggled to generate consistent offense beyond their guards. June Mar Fajardo, limited by both defensive pressure and sore shoulders, endured another rare single-digit scoring night, though his 20 rebounds underscored his continued influence in other areas.

     

    With the series reset, Game 5 now looms as a referendum on which version of each team is real.

     

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    If Thompson’s game was about legacy, Poy Erram’s was about timing.

     

    Entering Game 4 averaging just two points for the conference, Erram erupted for 27 points on near-perfect efficiency as TNT dismantled Meralco, 102-83, to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead. He scored 21 in the first half alone, immediately setting the tone for a bounce-back performance after TNT’s previous stumble.

     

    Even with Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading struggling to find rhythm, the Tropang 5G thrived on collective execution. Their role players filled the gaps, their defense suffocated Meralco’s options, and their early control never truly wavered.

     

    The win was made more impressive—and complicated—by injuries on both sides. TNT lost Roger Pogoy early to a hamstring injury, while Rey Nambatac remained limited. Meralco, meanwhile, had to cope without Chris Newsome, sidelined by an MCL sprain, a void that proved too large to overcome despite Chris Banchero’s 19-point effort.

     

    By the end of the night, two narratives were clear: Ginebra had rediscovered its heartbeat through Thompson’s brilliance, and TNT had found an unexpected pillar in Erram at the most crucial moment.

     

    In a semifinal round increasingly shaped by depth, durability, and decisive bursts, Sunday served as a reminder that championships are often swung not by who is expected to deliver—but by who does when it matters most. 

     

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  • NBA legend Isiah Thomas questions Michael Jordan’s GOAT status

    NBA legend Isiah Thomas questions Michael Jordan’s GOAT status

    The debate over the “Greatest of All-Time” (GOAT) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) continues to spark conversation, with fans and analysts divided over the merits of Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

     

    Naismith Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas recently reignited the discussion during an appearance on The Run It Back Show with DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons. Known for his long-time feud with Jordan, Thomas questioned how Jordan is still considered the GOAT when players like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have redefined the game, and LeBron holds the majority of NBA records.

     

    “This is what I don’t understand about your era, right? You guys are playing with arguably the greatest player to ever play. And excuse me when I say this, but you all treat him like he ain’t nothing. Instead of plugging your era up, you all go back and say, our era was the greatest. You know, Michael Jordan was the greatest. Nobody could ever be greater than Michael Jordan, right?,” Thomas said.

     

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    “And then you turn around, but in your era, LeBron James is sitting there. He’s holding every single basketball record. I mean, every single one of them. And you’re looking at a Kevin Durant, and you’re looking at a Stephen Curry. But then when you all say who the greatest is, you all talk about the guy that gave you some shoes and some warm-ups.

    “Well, he’s going to make you change your mind on, or at least critically think about it, right? And I’m a historian of the game. And I’m not a hater. When I speak facts, people think it’s hate. But you can’t, in no sports category, when we talk about track, when we talk about tennis, when we talk about football, baseball, arguably the best players or athletes in those sports, they hold the world records.

     

    “I know we talk about Jordan, but he leads in no statistical basketball category. But yet we say there’s an argument about him being the best. But then when you look at Kareem and you look at LeBron, those guys lead in several statistical categories. Yet we say somebody else is better.

    “I’m just giving you the evidence, right? Here’s the evidence. And 15 years from now, when the next generation comes along, and they talk about how great LeBron James was and how great Kevin Durant was, and Steph Curry was, it won’t even be a conversation or a debate.

     

    “Your generation right now is the only one. You all say we hating on you all, but you all hating on yourselves. Every time we ask you who your top 10 is, you list 10 guys from the 80s. You don’t list none of your guys.

     

    “We knew what we had in Jordan, right? And we gave Jordan his flowers. We were all like, hey, this dude looks different than everybody. I hear you all talk about LeBron at 41, and your generation acts like, oh, man,” Thomas concluded.

     

    Thomas’ outspoken comments are perhaps unsurprising given his history with Jordan. During their playing days, Thomas’ Detroit Pistons and Jordan’s Chicago Bulls were fierce rivals in the 1980s. The animosity continued years later, with Thomas criticizing Jordan on multiple occasions. Jordan himself referred to Thomas as an “assh***” in the Netflix documentary The Last Dance, a remark Thomas has not forgiven, stating he will not reconcile with the NBA icon without an apology.

     

    While the GOAT debate is unlikely to reach a consensus anytime soon, Thomas’ perspective highlights an ongoing shift in how modern basketball achievements—statistical dominance, longevity, and versatility—factor into the conversation. As LeBron, Curry, Durant, and future stars continue to shape the game, the debate over who truly deserves the title of NBA’s greatest may ultimately rest less on nostalgia and more on measurable impact on the court.

     

     

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  • “Sometimes he tells me F– off” – JJ Redick shares details about his relationship with star LeBron James

    “Sometimes he tells me F– off” – JJ Redick shares details about his relationship with star LeBron James

    Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered rare insight into his on-court relationship with superstar LeBron James, revealing that their in-game communication can be blunt but effective as the team continues its push during the NBA season.

     

    Speaking after a recent Lakers win, Redick described how trust and experience shape his exchanges with the four-time NBA champion, emphasizing that James’ basketball instincts often guide critical decisions late in games.

     

    “I’m his catcher. I’ve figured out how to call the pitches,” Redick said. “Sometimes he tells me to f-off and he calls his own pitch, which is fine, too.”

     

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    James’ ability to read situations and dictate tempo has long been one of his defining traits, and Redick pointed out that the Lakers benefit from allowing their leader that freedom.

     

    Even when James is not at his physical peak, the Lakers head coach acknowledges that his command of the floor remains a decisive factor.

     

    “Every night he doesn’t have his best stuff,” Redick added. “But he always has enough to win.”

     

    The comments reflect the balance Redick is attempting to strike in his first season at the helm, empowering players while maintaining a structured approach. 

     

    For James, now in his 21st NBA season, the latitude to make adjustments on the fly has been a constant throughout his career.

     

    James has continued to produce at an elite level despite his age, contributing across multiple statistical categories while anchoring the Lakers on both ends of the floor. His leadership has been especially vital as Los Angeles navigates lineup changes and consistency issues.

     

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  • “Proud ako kasi magiging legend ako”: Ranidel de Ocampo on TNT retiring his No. 33 jersey

    “Proud ako kasi magiging legend ako”: Ranidel de Ocampo on TNT retiring his No. 33 jersey

    Former TNT star Ranidel de Ocampo has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players and is set to be recognized as a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend.

     

    The TNT Tropang Giga recently announced that they will retire De Ocampo’s No. 33 jersey in his honor. The ceremony is scheduled to take place during halftime of the Philippine Cup semifinal Game 3 between TNT and the Meralco Bolts on Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Currently serving as an assistant coach under Chot Reyes for TNT, De Ocampo expressed his pride in receiving such a rare recognition.

     

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    “Siyempre very proud ako kasi bihira lang naman ‘yung mabibigyan ng ganitong kumbaga recognition. At ito pang dati kong team na Talk ‘N Text, nilaruan ko Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, ‘yun ‘yung ire-retire na jersey,” he said in a media interaction.

     

    “Proud ako kasi kumbaga magiging legend ako. Masarap din ‘pag natatawag kang legend. ‘Yun nga, PBA legend. At the same time, kumbaga parang nagbunga ‘yung pinaghirapan mo,” he added.

    At 44 years old, De Ocampo becomes only the third TNT player to have his jersey retired, joining PBA legends Jimmy Alapag (No. 3) and Harvey Carey (No. 4). He also took a moment to acknowledge the people who contributed to his success.

     

    “Kasama ko doon ang sa pag-asenso ko, sa pagiging successful ng career ko, ang pamilya ko, ang mga magulang ko, ang mga kapatid ko. Pati mother ko, ayan. At siyempre ang solid sa TNT fans, saka ‘yung team RDO exclusive. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila. Kasama ko sila hanggang nga ngayon na hindi na ako naglalaro, nandiyan parin sila sumusuporta,” he said.

     

    De Ocampo’s career in the PBA began when he was selected fourth overall by FedEx/Air21 Express in the 2004 draft. He joined TNT in 2008 and played with the franchise until 2017. During his time with the Tropang Giga, he won six PBA championships, was named a two-time PBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), earned the PBA Best Player of the Conference award in the 2014 Governors’ Cup, and received nine PBA All-Star nominations.

     

    Reflecting on his career highlights, De Ocampo singled out his first championship as particularly memorable.

     

    “‘Yung first championship ko, ‘yun ding year na ‘yun, ‘yung conference na ‘yun. So ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-memorable sa akin. ‘Yung very, very first championship kasama ko ‘yung kapatid ko si kuya Yancy,” he recalled.

     

    With the retirement of his No. 33 jersey, TNT will not only honor De Ocampo’s on-court achievements but also celebrate his enduring influence on the franchise, both as a player and a mentor. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of TNT players, ensuring that Ranidel de Ocampo remains a true icon of Philippine basketball.

     

     

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  • NBA Friday Roundup: Pascal Siakam lifts Pacers, Wolves outgun Cavs, Jazz edge Mavs; Heat-Bulls postponed

    NBA Friday Roundup: Pascal Siakam lifts Pacers, Wolves outgun Cavs, Jazz edge Mavs; Heat-Bulls postponed

    Pascal Siakam delivered when it mattered most, Julius Randle powered a statement win at home, and Lauri Markkanen reminded everyone why Utah remains a tough out as Friday night’s NBA action featured tight finishes, explosive scoring, and one unusual postponement.


    Pacers outlast Hornets as Siakam shines late


    The Indiana Pacers held off a late Charlotte Hornets push to escape with a 114–112 road win, leaning heavily on Pascal Siakam’s all-around brilliance.

     

    Siakam finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds, controlling the paint and providing timely buckets whenever Charlotte threatened to swing momentum. Indiana built small but crucial cushions in each quarter, never allowing the Hornets to fully seize control despite the narrow margin.

     

    LaMelo Ball did everything he could to will Charlotte back, erupting for 33 points, eight assists, and three steals in a dynamic performance that energized the home crowd. Ball’s shot-making and playmaking kept the Hornets within striking distance down the stretch, but Indiana’s composure—particularly on the defensive glass—proved decisive.

     

    The win gives the Pacers another confidence-boosting road result as they continue to balance a fast-paced offense with improved late-game execution.

     

    Timberwolves pull away late to sink Cavaliers


    In one of the night’s most entertaining matchups, the Minnesota Timberwolves surged past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131–122, behind a dominant second-half push at home.

     

    Julius Randle anchored Minnesota with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, repeatedly punishing mismatches and setting the tone during a decisive third-quarter run. The Wolves exploded for 43 points in the third, flipping a tight contest into a double-digit advantage.

     

    Cleveland stayed competitive behind Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 30 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but the Cavaliers struggled to contain Minnesota’s interior scoring and ball movement once the tempo ramped up.

     

    The win reinforces Minnesota’s reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous home teams, capable of overwhelming opponents in short bursts.

     

     

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    Jazz survive Mavericks in Salt Lake City


    Lauri Markkanen delivered another star turn as the Utah Jazz edged the Dallas Mavericks, 116–114, in a back-and-forth battle at the Delta Center.

     

    Markkanen poured in 33 points with seven rebounds, showcasing his versatile scoring arsenal from deep, midrange, and the free-throw line. Utah leaned on his shot-making during crunch time as Dallas struggled to get consistent stops.

     

    Rookie standout Cooper Flagg nearly stole the show for the Mavericks, posting 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in one of his most complete performances to date. Flagg’s poise and two-way impact kept Dallas within striking distance until the final possessions.

     

    Utah’s ability to execute late—combined with Markkanen’s efficiency—proved just enough to hold off the young Mavericks.

     

    Heat vs. Bulls postponed due to unusual conditions


    The scheduled matchup between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls at the United Center was postponed due to court condensation, an uncommon but safety-driven decision. League officials determined the playing surface was too slippery to proceed, with a makeup date yet to be announced.

     

     

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