Tag: NBA

  • “It’s different hearing my name in trade talks”: Ja Morant on Memphis Grizzlies trade rumors

    “It’s different hearing my name in trade talks”: Ja Morant on Memphis Grizzlies trade rumors

    Star guard Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies has become a major topic of speculation, with reports indicating that team management is now open to trading the former Rookie of the Year and is actively listening to offers.

     

    The shift comes as the relationship between Morant and the franchise has reportedly deteriorated to the “point of no return,” despite the Grizzlies standing by him through a series of off-court issues, suspensions, and injury setbacks in recent seasons.

     

    Morant recently acknowledged the emotional weight of hearing his name involved in trade talks but maintained that he is focused on managing his own response.

     

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    “I think everybody should be worried about my reaction and not other people. I think my reaction is more important. Live with it,” Morant said.

     

    According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Miami Heat have emerged as a strong potential destination should Memphis decide to move Morant.

    “Miami has quickly emerged as an attractive option to Morant and his camp in recent days. The Heat have historically been regarded as one of the NBA’s most detail-oriented and structured organizations, a major aspect of development that appeals to Morant, who has missed 34 games due to various suspensions,” Iko reported.

     

    “Morant also has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who also runs Team USA; Morant desires to represent his country in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Miami’s veteran presence is an additional selling point and something Morant craves,” he added.

     

    Morant is earning $39.4 million this season and remains under contract with Memphis for two more years—set to make $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027–28 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.

     

    On the court, the 26-year-old is averaging 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. However, he is shooting a career-low 40.2 percent from the field and 21.6 percent from three-point territory over 17 appearances and has been sidelined since January 2 due to a right calf contusion.

     

    Morant has also remained in headlines for off-court incidents, including a clash with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo in November that led to a one-game suspension. Still, Morant dismissed any suggestion of deeper conflict.

     

    “He is cool. I don’t think we have had too many ups and downs. That’s just you all, from the outside looking in, thinking that,” he concluded.

     

    With tensions mounting and trade rumors intensifying, Memphis faces a defining organizational decision: rebuild around new leadership or recommit to a former franchise cornerstone. As discussions continue, Morant’s future—once seemingly intertwined with the Grizzlies—now appears more uncertain than ever, with Miami and other pursuing teams monitoring the situation closely.

     

     

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  • “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    National Basketball Association (NBA) all-time scoring leader and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has received a unique tribute from the league in recognition of his unprecedented longevity and accomplishments across 23 seasons.

     

    Topps, one of the most iconic sports trading card companies, unveiled a special edition patch that LeBron will wear for the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season. The commemorative emblem will be prominently featured on his Lakers jersey, serving as a season-long celebration of his sustained excellence and durability—an achievement rarely seen in NBA history.

     

    The design of the patch is symbolic: it incorporates blue, red, and yellow, representing the colors of the three NBA franchises LeBron has suited up for—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. The logo also includes the words “NBA seasons,” the number 23 (a nod to both his jersey number and total seasons played), and a silhouette of LeBron performing his iconic pre-game chalk toss.

     

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    James debuted the special patch during the Lakers’ 124–112 loss to the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday, January 13 (Philippine Standard Time). While the game did not result in a win, the moment still marked a significant milestone in LeBron’s storied career.

    Following the matchup, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer reflected on the honor, expressing deep gratitude and emotion about the league’s gesture.

     

    “Just super cool. Super surreal. Super humbled. Blessed. I walked in here and seen it for the first time, and it was like an emotional moment as well. I just started thinking about the whole, from the beginning to where we are now. It’s been a heck of a journey,” LeBron said to the media.

     

    The tribute highlights the rare feat of remaining a productive and dominant basketball player well into one’s 40s—something LeBron has managed through dedication, conditioning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and countless records, his career continues to expand the limits of what longevity and sustained elite performance look like in professional sports.

     

    The commemorative patch is expected to become a sought-after collector’s item among fans and memorabilia enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of significance to LeBron’s 23rd season. As the Lakers continue their campaign, James’ on-court presence—paired with this special recognition—serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy he continues to build, one historic season at a time.

     

     

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  • Mavericks say Anthony Davis will not require surgery on hand injury

    Mavericks say Anthony Davis will not require surgery on hand injury

    What began as growing belief that the Dallas Mavericks’ star big man was headed for surgery ended with a very different conclusion Tuesday night, when the team announced that Davis will not require an operation on his injured left hand after seeking an evaluation from his own physician.

     

    The development capped a chaotic stretch of updates that unfolded throughout the day. Early reports suggested Davis would undergo surgery to repair ligament damage, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. Davis himself pushed back publicly, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to dispute the narrative.

     

    “Lies! But yall keep listening to them,” Davis wrote in one post.

     

    Hours later, Dallas clarified the situation, revealing that medical evaluation determined the injury should heal naturally in approximately six weeks without surgery. For a franchise already navigating uncertainty, the update offered clarity—if not full peace of mind.

     

    The timing remains delicate. According to ESPN, the Mavericks are still weighing trade scenarios involving Davis, particularly with the possibility that he could return later this season and help a contender. That reality underscores the complicated position Dallas finds itself in, balancing health, contracts, and long-term direction.

     

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    Davis sustained the injury last Thursday while defending Utah star Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket. He was visibly shaken on the play, clutching his hand before exiting with 2:08 remaining, and was unable to contest Markkanen’s next score. An MRI followed the next day, prompting Davis to seek multiple medical opinions before a final course of action was determined.

     

    All of this has unfolded less than a year into Davis’ tenure with the Mavericks, who acquired him in the highly scrutinized and ill-fated trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Since arriving in Dallas, availability has once again become a storyline. Davis has appeared in just 29 games as a Maverick—nine last season and 20 this year.

     

    Now nearing his 33rd birthday in March, Davis remains one of the league’s highest-paid stars. He is earning $54.1 million this season, is owed $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027–28 campaign.

     

    When healthy, his impact is undeniable. This season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Whether those numbers will again surface in a Mavericks uniform—or elsewhere—remains one of the NBA’s most closely watched questions as his recovery clock begins without surgery.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Timberwolves Run Wild, Lakers Roll, Heat Hold Off Suns

    NBA Roundup: Timberwolves Run Wild, Lakers Roll, Heat Hold Off Suns

    It was a high-octane Wednesday night across the NBA, featuring statement wins, explosive offensive outings, and contenders flexing their muscle at home.

     

    In Miami, the Heat outlasted the Phoenix Suns, 127–121, riding a dominant first half and timely execution late. Miami poured in 71 first-half points, building separation early before Phoenix mounted a third-quarter surge behind Devin Booker, who flirted with a triple-double with 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Still, Bam Adebayo anchored the Heat with 29 points and nine rebounds, steadying Miami whenever momentum threatened to swing. The Heat’s 35-point fourth quarter proved decisive as they protected home court.

     

    Houston continued its strong play at Toyota Center, edging the Chicago Bulls, 119–113, in a game that stayed tight until the final minutes. Alperen Şengün once again served as the Rockets’ offensive hub, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Houston’s balanced attack overwhelmed a career night from Tre Jones, who erupted for 34 points and seven assists for Chicago.

     

    The most lopsided result of the night came in Milwaukee, where the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Bucks, 139–106. Minnesota exploded out of the gate with 76 first-half points, never allowing the Bucks to recover. Julius Randle led the charge with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Milwaukee struggled to keep pace despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 25 points and eight boards. The Timberwolves’ offensive efficiency and depth overwhelmed a Bucks team searching for answers.

     

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    In New Orleans, the Denver Nuggets leaned on Jamal Murray’s scoring burst to escape with a 122–116 win over the Pelicans. Murray poured in 35 points with nine assists and three steals, taking control late as Denver pulled away in the fourth quarter. Trey Murphy III kept New Orleans competitive with 31 points, but Denver’s composure down the stretch proved the difference.

     

    Oklahoma City continued to assert itself as one of the West’s elite, cruising past the San Antonio Spurs, 119–98. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points and four blocks, dominating both ends as the Thunder’s third-quarter surge broke the game open. Rookie Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but OKC’s depth and defensive pressure were too much.

     

    At Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers put on an offensive show, blowing past the Atlanta Hawks, 141–116. LeBron James turned back the clock yet again, recording 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists in a near triple-double performance. The Lakers dropped 81 points in the first half, effectively ending the contest early despite Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 26 points for Atlanta.

     

    Golden State closed the night with a solid 119–97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center. The Warriors jumped out early and never looked back, leaning on collective effort rather than a single dominant scorer. Jimmy Butler III contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe paced Portland with 19 points in a losing effort.

     

    From wire-to-wire blowouts to late-game execution, Wednesday’s slate showcased the league’s growing separation between contenders and chasing packs—setting the tone for an increasingly intense midseason stretch.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Late Runs, and Road Wins Highlight Tuesday Action

    NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Late Runs, and Road Wins Highlight Tuesday Action

    Tuesday’s NBA slate delivered a little of everything — breakout performances from young stars, veteran-led closing stretches, and crucial wins that could shape the playoff picture as the season hits its midpoint.

     

    Jazz Silence Cleveland Crowd Behind Keyonte George Masterclass

     

    Utah Jazz 123, Cleveland Cavaliers 112

    Utah turned Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse into its own stage as Keyonte George orchestrated a composed road victory, finishing with 32 points and nine assists. The Jazz established early control, then responded calmly when Cleveland surged in the second quarter behind its interior play.

     

    Utah’s ability to score in bunches after halftime proved decisive, as they consistently punished defensive lapses and won the tempo battle. Cleveland struggled to generate clean looks late, settling for contested shots as the Jazz widened the gap in the final period.

     

    Evan Mobley came close to a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, serving as the Cavaliers’ most consistent presence, but the lack of sustained perimeter scoring ultimately hurt the home side.

     

    Pacers Grind Out Tight Win Over Celtics

     

    Indiana Pacers 98, Boston Celtics 96

    In one of the night’s most physical contests, Indiana leaned on execution and defensive discipline to edge Boston in a low-scoring affair. Pascal Siakam delivered across the board with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, providing steady offense whenever the Pacers needed a basket.

    Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter, where every possession carried weight. Indiana’s ability to force tough shots and protect the ball late proved to be the difference.

     

    Payton Pritchard paced Boston with 23 points and eight assists, keeping the Celtics within striking distance, but missed opportunities down the stretch prevented a late comeback.

     

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    Maxey Ignites Early Surge as 76ers Control Raptors

     

    Philadelphia 76ers 115, Toronto Raptors 102

    Philadelphia wasted no time asserting itself, exploding out of the gate behind Tyrese Maxey’s scoring burst. The All-Star guard finished with 33 points, spearheading a dominant first half that gave the 76ers full control of the contest.

     

    While Toronto showed resilience after the break, trimming the deficit through improved ball movement and transition scoring, the Raptors were never able to fully swing the momentum. Philadelphia answered each run with timely baskets to maintain a comfortable cushion.

     

    Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, but the Raptors’ slow start ultimately dictated the outcome.

     

    Mavericks Stay Steady to Hold Off Nets

     

    Dallas Mavericks 113, Brooklyn Nets 105

    Dallas showcased composure in the closing minutes to fend off a pesky Brooklyn squad. Rookie Cooper Flagg continued to impress, tallying 27 points and three steals, including several timely defensive plays that halted Nets rallies.

     

    The Mavericks built separation through balanced scoring and ball movement, then leaned on defensive stops late to protect their lead. Brooklyn made multiple pushes but struggled to string together stops when it mattered most.

     

    Michael Porter Jr. carried the Nets offensively with 28 points and nine rebounds, keeping Brooklyn within range, though Dallas’ control of key moments proved decisive.

     

    Kings’ Balance Beats Lakers Despite Dončić Brilliance

     

    Sacramento Kings 124, Los Angeles Lakers 112

    Luka Dončić delivered one of the night’s most electric performances, erupting for 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but Sacramento answered with depth, pace, and execution.

     

    The Kings consistently found scoring from multiple spots on the floor, preventing the Lakers from loading up on one primary option. Sacramento seized control in the second half, capitalizing on defensive breakdowns and converting at the free-throw line to maintain separation.

     

    DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 32 points, six assists, and three steals, anchoring the offense and closing the door whenever Los Angeles threatened to rally.

     

     

    Clippers Pull Away Late Against Hornets

     

    LA Clippers 117, Charlotte Hornets 109

    The Clippers saved their best basketball for the closing stretch, leaning on James Harden’s playmaking and poise to secure a home victory at Intuit Dome. Harden finished with 32 points, 10 assists, and four steals, controlling the game’s tempo in crunch time.

     

    Charlotte remained competitive through three quarters, fueled by LaMelo Ball’s aggressiveness and rebounding from the guard spot. However, defensive lapses and turnovers in the final frame allowed the Clippers to pull away.

     

    Ball led the Hornets with 25 points and nine rebounds, but Los Angeles’ experience and execution down the stretch proved too much.

     

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  • Jaylen Brown fined $35,000 for criticizing officiating after Celtics’ loss

    Jaylen Brown fined $35,000 for criticizing officiating after Celtics’ loss

    The Boston Celtics continue to put together a strong 2025–26 NBA campaign, carrying a 24–14 record that places them third in the Eastern Conference. Their balanced roster, sharpened offensive execution, and improved defensive cohesion have kept them among the conference’s top-tier teams despite injuries and constant lineup shuffling.

     

    However, Boston’s momentum hit a setback on Sunday, January 11 (PST), following a 100–95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden. The defeat stung not only because it came on home court, but also because of the officiating—at least according to Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

     

    Throughout the game, Brown showed visible frustration with the calls he felt were being missed. After the final buzzer, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted: “Fine me I’m sick of this st.” The tension carried into his postgame media session. As reported by Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Brown doubled down, saying, “I will take the f*g fine. The inconsistency is crazy. Give me the fine.”

     

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    The league responded swiftly. On Monday, the NBA announced that Brown had been fined $35,000 for his comments.

    “Boston Celtics guard-forward Jaylen Brown has been fined 35,000 for his public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Brown made his comments to the press and on social media following the Celtics’ 100–95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden,” the NBA’s statement read.

     

    Despite the controversy, Brown delivered an impressive performance on the court, finishing with 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 11-of-28 overall and 5-of-11 from long range. Still, one stat highlighted his frustration: he did not attempt a single free throw. As a team, Boston attempted just four free throws the entire night—an uncharacteristically low number for a squad known for attacking the basket. The Spurs, by contrast, went to the line 20 times and used those opportunities to maintain control of the matchup.

     

    Even amid the officiating concerns and the recent loss, Brown has been a stabilizing force for the Celtics in the absence of franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined by injury. The 29-year-old wing is producing one of the best all-around seasons of his career, averaging 29.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 49.9 percent shooting from the field and 37.2 percent from three.

     

    His ability to carry the scoring load, create for teammates, and defend multiple positions has kept Boston firmly in the upper echelon of the East. Brown’s frustration highlights broader questions about officiating consistency across the league, but it also underscores the weight he carries as the team’s leader during Tatum’s absence.

     

    As the Celtics navigate the heart of the season, cooler heads and continued elite play from Brown will be crucial. If Boston can stay healthy and maintain its form, the team remains a legitimate contender in a competitive Eastern Conference race.

     

     

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  • Michael Jordan to LeBron James: Ranking the NBA’s all-time richest stars

    Michael Jordan to LeBron James: Ranking the NBA’s all-time richest stars

    The NBA is one of the most recognizable sports leagues on the planet—a global brand built on elite talent, iconic franchises, and a massive commercial ecosystem. With the league generating an estimated $10.58 billion in revenue last season, it continues to be a financial powerhouse for sponsors, investors, and athletes alike.

     

    Given that success, it’s no surprise that the NBA has produced some of the wealthiest figures in sports history. Whether through record-breaking contracts, global endorsements, or smart business ventures, several NBA stars have built fortunes that extend far beyond their playing careers.

     

    Below is a look at the five richest players ever to come out of the NBA, and how each one built their empire.

     

    1. Michael Jordan – $3 Billion Net Worth

    Regarded by many as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan has long transcended sports. While he earned $90 million in NBA salary across 14 seasons with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, the bulk of his wealth came from endorsements and investments.

     

    Jordan partnered with global brands such as McDonald’s, Hanes, Gatorade, and Chevrolet. But nothing compares to his historic partnership with Nike. His Air Jordan line redefined athlete branding and generated extraordinary revenue—bringing Jordan an estimated $2.4 billion in pre-tax earnings from Nike.

     

    His business empire continued to grow with investments in DraftKings, ownership in a NASCAR team, and most notably, the $3 billion sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, which significantly boosted his net worth. Jordan remains the wealthiest athlete in sports history.

     

    2. LeBron James – $1 Billion Net Worth

    The richest active player in the league today, LeBron James is one of only two NBA players to achieve billionaire status while still playing. Now in his 21st season, LeBron has earned $479 million in NBA salary, but his off-court ventures have truly elevated his financial legacy.

     

    LeBron’s lifetime deal with Nike anchors his endorsement portfolio, while his business investments span multiple industries—fast food (Blaze Pizza), entertainment (SpringHill Company), and alcohol (Lobos 1707 tequila).

     

    He has also invested in sports franchises, previously holding a stake in Liverpool FC via Fenway Sports Group. His diverse holdings and global marketability make him one of the most influential business athletes in the world.

     

    3. Magic Johnson – $800 Million Net Worth

    A five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson has long been recognized not only for his on-court brilliance but for his entrepreneurial impact. Despite earning $39.3 million across 12 seasons—boosted by a unique long-term Lakers contract—Magic’s business acumen propelled him into the upper tier of sports wealth.

     

    Through Magic Johnson Enterprises, now valued at over $1 billion, he expanded aggressively into real estate, entertainment, and sports ownership. His impressive portfolio includes stakes in:

    • Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)

    • Los Angeles Football Club (MLS)

    • LA Dodgers (MLB)

    • Washington Commanders (NFL)

    • Team Liquid (eSports)

    He also holds a major interest in EquiTrust Life Insurance, further diversifying his financial empire.

     

    4. Junior Bridgeman – $600+ Million Net Worth (Estimated)

    One of the most surprising names on this list, Junior Bridgeman earned no more than $350,000 per season during his 12-year NBA career. But retirement marked the beginning of his rise as a business titan.

     

    Bridgeman invested in fast-food franchises, initially purchasing a single Wendy’s store. That grew into a massive network of over 160 Wendy’s and multiple franchise brands, operated under Bridgeman Foods Inc.

     

    He later sold the company and shifted to becoming a Coca-Cola bottler, eventually becoming CEO and president of Coca-Cola Heartland. His strategic investments and franchise empire established him as one of the wealthiest former NBA players.

     

    5. Vinnie Johnson – $500 Million Net Worth

    Rounding out the top five is Vinnie Johnson, a two-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons. Although he earned just over $3 million during his 14-season career, his post-basketball journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship.

     

    Johnson founded the Piston Group, an automotive supply company that has become a major partner for giants such as General Motors and Ford. Today, the company generates nearly $3 billion in annual revenue, and Johnson — as CEO and chairman — has built a personal net worth estimated at around $500 million.

     

    The financial success of these NBA legends highlights how the league serves as a launching pad for long-term wealth—not merely through contracts but through entrepreneurship, branding, and strategic investments.

     



    From Michael Jordan’s historic Nike empire to Junior Bridgeman’s fast-food dominance and Vinnie Johnson’s automotive powerhouse, these former players prove that greatness in the NBA doesn’t end at retirement.

     

    Their stories set a blueprint for future athletes looking to turn basketball stardom into lifelong financial success.


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  • 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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  • 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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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    Fans of basketball and tennis are in for a jam-packed week as January heats up with key matchups across the NBA, the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, and the international tennis circuit. From high-stakes semifinals featuring TNT, Meralco, San Miguel, and Ginebra, to NBA teams battling for playoff positioning, and Alex Eala representing the Philippines at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of action. Here’s a complete schedule to keep you on top of all the games and matches happening from January 13–18, 2026.

     

     

    🎾 Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic (Melbourne, Australia)

    January 13–15, 2026

    • January 13–15 – Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic, Melbourne, Australia

    🏀 NBA Schedule – January 13–18, 2026

    Tuesday, January 13, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Jazz @ Cavaliers 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Pacers 
    • 8:30 AM – 76ers @ Raptors 
    • 9:30 AM – Nets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Hornets @ Clippers 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Bulls @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Bucks 
    • 9:00 AM – Nuggets @ Pelicans 
    • 9:00 AM – Spurs @ Thunder 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Lakers 
    • 12:00 PM – Trail Blazers @ Warriors 

    Thursday, January 15, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Raptors @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 9:00 AM – Jazz @ Bulls 
    • 9:00 AM – Nets @ Pelicans 
    • 10:30 AM – Nuggets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Wizards @ Clippers 

    Friday, January 16, 2026

    • 3:00 AM – Grizzlies @ Magic (NBA Berlin Game) 
    • 8:00 AM – Suns @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Bucks @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Warriors 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Trail Blazers 
    • 10:00 AM – Hornets @ Lakers 

    Saturday, January 17, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Pelicans @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 8:30 AM – Bulls @ Nets 
    • 10:30 AM – Clippers @ Raptors 
    • 11:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Rockets 
    • 11:00 AM – Wizards @ Kings 

    Sunday, January 18, 2026

    • 6:00 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Hawks 
    • 8:30 AM – Pacers @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Knicks 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Hornets @ Warriors 
    • 10:00 AM – Wizards @ Nuggets 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Trail Blazers

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

     

    🏀 PBA Philippine Cup – Semifinals (Best-of-7)

    Series Standings

    • SF1: San Miguel Beermen 2–2 Barangay Ginebra 
    • SF2: TNT Tropang Giga 3–1 Meralco Bolts 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 5)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 5)

    Friday, January 16, 2026 – Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 6)
    • 7:30 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 6 – if necessary)

    Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 7 – if necessary)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 7 – if necessary)

       

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