Oh no! Magic Waive Mac McClung and Two Others

In the thrilling world of basketball, where the roar of the crowd and the slam of the ball echo through arenas, Mac McClung recently etched his name into the annals of dunking history with a dazzling championship performance. However, as the cheers still reverberate, news emerges of roster changes for McClung and his fellow players. According to Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel, the Orlando Magic have waived McClung, along with guards Brandon Williams and swingman Daeqwon Plowden. While these changes set a different tone, McClung's recent dunk championship remains a beacon of triumph.

Transitioning to the G League

The trio of McClung, Williams, and Plowden, all on Exhibit 10 contracts, are set to make their way to the Osceola Magic, Orlando's G League affiliate. The strategic move aligns with the Magic's plan for the three players to continue their development and contribute to the affiliate team's success.

Mac McClung's G League Impact

McClung, despite his limited NBA appearances, showcased his prowess in the G League, particularly during his stint with the Delaware Blue Coats. Averaging 19.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in just 26.8 minutes per game, McClung was instrumental in leading the Blue Coats to a G League title.

NBA everyday this December on S+A

Metro Manila, Philippines - It’s a glitzy Christmas for Filipino hoop fans as the stars of the best basketball league in the whole world will be seen in action everyday on ABS-CBN S+A and ABS-CBN starting Friday (Dec. 14), including the much-anticipated Christmas day showdown between the Lebron James-led Los Angeles Lakers and the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

The special December marathon fires off on Friday live at 9 a.m. on S+A with James and the youngsters of the Los Angeles Lakers going up against the veteran-laden Houston Rockets squad of James Harden and Chris Paul. After that, it’s John Wall and the Washington Wizards versus Spencer Dinwiddie and the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 15 at 8:30 a.m. live on ABS-CBN, then the coverage shifts back to S+A with the Minnesota Timberwolves – Phoenix Suns game on Dec. 16.

The next day, Dec. 17, features the battle of Eastern Conference's top seed Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard and the West's number three squad Denver Nuggets, which has been in a tear behind the balanced play of their stars led by Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. 

Action continues with Philadelphia–San Antonio on Dec. 18, Cleveland–Indiana on Dec. 19, and Memphis-Portland on Dec. 20.

Also to watch for this month is super rookie Luka Doncic as his Dallas Mavericks battle the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 21 at 11:30 a.m. on S+A, followed by Atlanta-New York on ABS-CBN on Dec. 22, and the showdown of two Eastern Conference giants in the Toronto – Philadelphia game on Dec. 23 at 8:30 back on S+A.

This special NBA marathon serves as a countdown to the Christmas Day battle everyone has been raving about since the free agent signing of LeBron James to the Lakers: a special date with the back-to-back defending champions, Golden State Warriors, which will air live on S+A on Dec. 26 at 9 a.m. It’s the first significant Christmas day game in Laker Land as the Purple and Gold have been on the rebuild the past years. Before this game, Minnesota and Oklahoma City will also battle on Dec. 24 on S+A.

The marathon continues until the end of December featuring matchups between Toronto-Miami, Boston-Houston, Detroit-Indiana, Golden State-Portland, and finally Sacramento-LA Lakers on Dec. 31 on S+A. Watch the games on high-definition on S+A HD and ABS-CBN HD on cable.

For more NBA stories, visit the ABS-CBN’s sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com/nba and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook and Twitter. Sports fans can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #NBAonABSCBN and #NBASabaDos.

For more information and updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

source manila standard

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Ravena surprised by scoring explosion

Even Thirdy Ravena was surprised by his scoring explosion which propelled the Ateneo Blue Eagles to the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball crown on Wednesday evening.

“My mission was to give everything that I can. I did not really expect to score,” said Ravena after he tallied a career-high 38 points for the Blue Eagles as they stopped the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 99-81, at the Araneta Coliseum.

This earned the Blue Eagles their second straight championship in the tournament.

Ateneo claimed its 10th crown overall after completing a two-game sweep of their best-of-three finals series.

“It (baskets) just came in. Pumapasok iyung binibigay sa akin ng mga teammates ko,” said Ravena.

Ravena finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and two blocks in Game 1 when the Blue Eagles also beat the UP Fighting Maroons.

In Game 2, he came up with a career-high on 13-of-18 shooting. And his scoring output is considered the most in a finals game since 2003. For this Ravena gives credit to teammate Matt Nieto.

“If it wasn’t for Matt—yung mga pinapasa niya sa akin—hindi magiging possible yun,” said Ravena.

Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin said Ravena had his time to shine after the Fighting Maroons focused their defense on him and their isolation plays.

“I think there were some strategies from UP that were fairly apparent. I think that’s why there was more individual plays from Thirdy, more isolation plays. But we understood there are certain things that they did not want us to get, and they were going to use help defense in some situations. So, we were able to identify some of that, and I think Thirdy did in those games,” said Baldwin.

The back-to-back honors that the Blue Eagles won in men’s basketball is their fifth championship of the UAAP season.

Earlier, Ateneo also won the titles in women’s badminton, men’s and women’s swimming, and women’s fencing.

This was the result of the intense preparation the Blue Eagles went through this year.

They went to Greece and Taiwan to prepare for this tournament, and have not lost a single game in their last 10 outings.

Thirdy, the younger brother of NLEX Road Warriors star Kiefer Ravena, along with fellow seniors the Nieto twins and Isaac Go, will be back for another season next year. They hope that a three-peat is possible.

source ~ manila standard

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Magnolia, Alaska clash in Game 2 of PBA playoff

The Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok and the Alaska Aces continue the championship playoff of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup 7 p.m., today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The two squads square off in Game 2 of their best-of-seven showdown with Magnolia looking to follow up its rousing, wire-to-wire 100-84 demolition of the Aces. 

Following a two-week break to give way to the FIBA Qualifiers, Magnolia looked the better-prepared squad as the Hotshots jumped out of the gates and smacked the Aces right from the opening bell to jump out to a 15-0 advantage.

The Hotshots got a surprise lift from Robbie Herndon who drilled back-to-back three-pointers followed by a steal by Jio Jalalon which led to a fastbreak layup by Romeo Travis pushing Magnolia to 15-0 lead to start the game.

Alaska cut the gap to 10 points after the first quarter but the Hotshots dictated the tempo of the game from thereon.

The Hotshots got a lift from their do-everything import Travis who scored a game-high 29 points. Marc Barroca, Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang were the other double-digit scorers with 16, 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Mike Harris led the Aces with 20 points. Chris Banchero chipped in 12 while Jeron Teng added 10. Vic Manuel, playing limited minutes because he was recovering from illness, was limited to just six points.

The Aces finished the game with their usual flourish. Trailing by 20 points in the fourth quarter, 64-84, the Aces ignited their trademark rally to cut the Magnolia lead.

Harris followed up a miss, then Banchero made a fastbreak layup as the Aces trailed by just eight points, 76-84, with 4:23 to go in the game. But that was as close as the Aces would get. Barroca ignited a Magnolia run which pushed the Hotshots ahead beyond recall as Alaska trailed, 76-93. 

Magnolia defeated defending two-time champion Barangay Ginebra, 3-1, in their own playoff series. 

source ~ manila standard

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Imports Harris, Travis want title, not awards

Both Magnolia import Romeo Travis and Alaska reinforcement Mike Harris couldn’t care less about winning the Best Import award.

That’s because their eyes are all set on potentially leading their respective teams to championship in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.

As the Hotshots and the Aces look forward to their anticipated Finals’ encounter ahead, Travis and Harris are itching to get their teams over the hump.

Though they are figuring in a tight battle for the Best Import award, for them, it’s the championship that matters most.

“I don’t really care about that award,” said Travis, who already won a Best Import award in his first tour of duty in 2015, when he ironically led Alaska to the Finals. “I just want to win a championship.”

Harris echoed Travis’ sentiments as he stated that despite all the attention they are getting, the Finals will not be all about the imports.

“This isn’t about Mike and Romeo,” said Harris. “Championships are way more important.”

While Meralco’s Allen Durham, the two-time reigning Best Import, and Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee are also candidates for the award, it is expected that the award will either go to Travis or Harris.

The two imports get to test each other for a full best-of-seven finale showcase starting Dec. 5.

source: manila standard

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Solar Entertainment brings NBA action to Phillippines

Metro Manila, Philippines - The long wait is over as Filipino basketball fans can catch another new season of the NBA.

The excitement and anticipation for the next season happened a few weeks after the Golden State Warriors’ title conquest as talented rookies were drafted, players switched teams thru trades and marquee players signed with teams via free agency. 

As new storylines surround the NBA heading to the new season, Solar Entertainment channels BTV and NBA Premium TV will make sure you’ll never miss the play by play action – 24 hours a day and 7 days a week from October to June 2019.

As the longtime TV partner of the NBA in the Philippines, Solar through its channels Basketball TV (BTV) and NBA Premium TV again guarantees the most comprehensive coverage by broadcasting the most number of games combined with daily magazine shows and other NBA specials that are exclusive on both channels. 

Starting last October, BTV and NBA Premium TV air live games every morning. For those who missed the morning broadcast primetime replays of the games are also available daily. From Regular season to the Finals, around 600 games will be aired combined on both channels.

Basketball TV viewers will enjoy at least one live game every day, with primetime replay at 8 p.m. Games aired on BTV will be complemented by NBA magazine shows—NBA Action, NBA Inside Stuff, NBA Gametime, The Starters, Inside the NBA and NBA Open Court. Through these programs, NBA fans will be updated with every news and updates surrounding the association. Aside from the NBA programming, BTV also specializes in locally produced on-air and digital segments that are updated weekly consisting of events, highlights, insights, and program updates.

NBA Premium TV is the 1st ever HD sports channel in the Philippines that is custom-made for the true NBA fan. NBA Premium offers at least 2 LIVE games every day and can go to a maximum of 4 games. With NBA Premium TV, NBA Fans will get an overdose of NBA Action in Full High Definition everyday.

No cable subscription and looking for an alternative to have both channels? 

Purchase Easy TV now and watch Live NBA games all season long. Basketball TV is seen on Ch. 13 and NBA Premium TV on Ch.14 on Easy TV. 

Visit www.easytv.ph or contact 817-7000 for more details, Mag Level Up Ka Na! *Service only available in Metro Manila.

Basketball TV is seen on Cignal Ch. 95, GSAT Ch. 36, and Cablelink Ch. 60. Follow Basketball TV via facebook.com/BasketballTV, Twitter and Instagram @BTVHoops.

NBA Premium TV is seen on Cignal SD Ch. 96 and HD Ch. 262, and Cablelink HD Ch. 350.

Contact your local provider now to subscribe to Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV and never miss an action throughout the whole NBA season from October to June.

source manilastandard.net

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LeBron surpasses Wilt’s scoring mark

Los Angeles, California, USA : LeBron James poured on 44 points to leapfrog Wilt Chamberlain on the NBA’s all-time scoring rankings on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 126-117.

James’ highest points haul since joining the Lakers saw him vault over Chamberlain into fifth place on the scoring rankings, leaving him with 31,425 points from his career.

 Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time points leader with 38,387 points, followed by Karl Malone (36,928) and Kobe Bryant (33,643) with Michael Jordan one place ahead of James at 32,292.

James’s standout night at the Staples Center saw him come within a whisker of a triple double, with the Lakers star finishing with 10 rebounds and nine assists in addition to his 44 points.

The 33-year-old made a point of snaffling the game ball after the buzzer sounded on what was a fourth straight victory for the Lakers, who improved to 8-6 to move up to seventh in the Western Conference standings.

James later paid tribute to Chamberlain when asked to reflect on passing the Lakers icon.

“One of the most dominant forces we ever had in our game, along with Shaq (O’Neal), one of the greatest Lakers to play the game,” James said.

“I’m just happy we got another win. But any time my name is mentioned with some of the greats, I always think back to my home town and how far I’ve come. That’s it for me.”

James, who had expressed frustration earlier in the season after the Lakers slow start to the campaign, said he believes the team is gradually heading in the right direction.

“It’s still a process for us,” James said. “We want to try and get better every day. And I believe we’ve done that since the start of training camp.

“We’ve got better since September and into October, and now we’ve got better in November. We just want to try and continue it.”

The only downside for the Lakers came with an injury to Rajon Rondo, who faces at least two weeks on the sidelines after suffering a broken hand.

“It’s tough,” said James. “He’s one of our leaders. But it’s next man up.”

James’ dominant performance also extended to defense. He led the Lakers with three blocks and a steal in addition to his haul of points and assists.

JaVale McGee supported James with 20 points, while fellow starters Brandon Ingram (17) and Lonzo Ball (11) also weighed in with double-digit tallies. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 13 from the bench.

Portland, who fell to 10-4 with the defeat, were led by Damian Lillard with 31 points. C.J. McCollum had 23 points and Jusuf Nurkic added 21.

source: manilastandard.net

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Cavaliers, Kamao top UNTV divisions

Metro Manila, Philippines : Armed Forces of the Philippines and Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission bested their rivals to top their respective divisions in the 7th UNTV Cup held recently tournament at the JCSGO gym in Cubao.

Already proud winners of two titles, the AFP Cavaliers completed a five-game sweep of Group A with a 76-70 win over the defending champions Senate Defenders, while the Malacañang-PSC Kamao rallied to beat the Department of Agriculture Food Masters, 75-63.

The Kamao actually finished tied with the National Housing Authority Builders at 4-1, but it was the former who took the top seeding due to the winner over the other rule.

The Builders capped their first-round campaign with a massive 94-57 win over the Ombudsman Graft Busters.

Only the top four teams from the two six-team groups will advance to the second round, where Group A teams battle the teams from Group B in a single-round affair of the annual event for public servants and organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon.

Aside from AFP and Senate, also advancing from Group A are Philippine National Police and PITC, while joining Malacañang-PSC, NHA and DA from Group B is two-time champion Judiciary.

Darwin Cordero scattered 20 points to lead four players in double digits for AFP which controlled the match right from the start.

Coming off a thrilling 63-62 win over the NHA Builders, the Kamao rallied from a 12-point deficit early in the fourth quarter behind the hot-shooting of Erick dela Cuesta to pull off another impressive win.

A member of the Philippine training team to the 2007 Thailand SEA Games, Dela Cuesta came off the bench to explode for 22 points. He also had 9 rebounds and three steals to share the Best Players award with Visnu Das Javier, who tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

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Magnolia five seeks to dethrone Ginebra

Metro Manila, Philippines : Magnolia has its eyes set on the first finals berth as it looks to dethrone defending champion Barangay Ginebra in their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.​

Comfortably ahead 2-0 in the showdown, the Hotshots can close out the Gin Kings as they go for a sweep in Game 3 at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Should Magnolia be successful, it will reach its second finals this season after finishing as a runner-up in the Philippine Cup.

However, the Hotshots would first need to finish the job against the top-seeded Gin Kings, who now find themselves fighting for their lives all of a sudden.

“We know Ginebra will fight back, that’s for sure,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “It’s good to be in this position and we look to make the finals as soon as we can. We all know Ginebra is a dangerous team even when it is down.”

Magnolia surprisingly took the first two games as it delivered on both ends constantly.

The Hotshots put themselves in this position after a 101-97 victory in Game 2 last Monday night.

Now in a position to dig deep to be able to defend their crown, the Gin Kings are now facing a must-win situation.

Ginebra actually lost its coach, Tim Cone, with over nine minutes remaining in Game 2 after he got ejected for two technical fouls.

To survive, the Gin Kings are now looking to regroup and show why they are the two-time defending champions.

Meanwhile, Meralco third-year guard Baser Amer’s leadership and clutch shooting didn’t go unnoticed after being named the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of Nov. 5-11 in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

After serving as an understudy of former PBA Most Valuable Player Jimmy Alapag in 2016, Amer has spread his wings this season, sparking Meralco to the semifinals after a woeful start in the season-ending conference.

The 26-year-old former San Beda Red Lion averaged 18 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals in the Bolts’ last three games on the way to capturing the weekly citation.

Given up for dead after Meralco’s 1-6 record, Amer played a key role in his team resurgence.

Meralco won five straight games to close the elims en route to making the playoffs as the seventh seed.

From there, Amer showed his readiness for battle in the playoffs, firing 14 points, grabbing four rebounds, issuing six assists and adding two steals as the Bolts shocked the no. 2 seed Phoenix, 90-74 to force the winner-take-all match in their quarterfinal duel.

The six-foot Amer took his game a notch higher in the knockout match, banging in 26 points, including back-to-back triples in the extra period that broke the backs of the Fuel Masters en route to a 108-103 win to advance to the semifinals.

Last Sunday, Meralco played its third game in five days, but that hardly mattered as Amer sustained his form, tallying 14 points, four boards, three assists and a steal to lead Meralco past Alaska, 97-92 and draw first blood in their best-of-five semifinal showdown.

Meralco has won its last seven games, a franchise record. But for Amer, the job isn’t done yet especially since the Bolts need two more wins to make a return trip to the Governors’ Cup Finals―its third straight if ever as they try to win the title this time.

Amer beat teammate Chris Newsome, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar and Alaska’s Vic Manuel for the weekly citation.

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