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Abueva fined P100k for Gallent mockery
The PBA slapped Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva with a hefty fine of P100,000 for making a gesture mocking San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals last Sunday......»»
NBA: James Harden skips 76ers practice again, ‘unlikely’ to play in preseason finale
CAMDEN, N.J.— Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden skipped NBA practice Thursday for the second straight day, with the team officially saying the disgruntled player is away because of a personal matter. “I think the organization has made it clear what’s going on,” coach Nick Nurse said at the 76ers’ New Jersey complex. “They’re working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that’s what we’re focused on.” Harden has yet to play in the preseason. He did attend training camp and continued to practice with the 76ers in the wake of his offseason trade demand. Harden said last week his fractured relationship with team president Daryl Morey could not be repaired — comparing it to a broken marriage — and said over the summer that he could not play for the 76ers. Part of Harden’s complaint stems from his belief he should have earned a long-term contract with the Sixers after last season. It never came, thus the trade demand. Harden, who was evasive last week about the status of his trade demand, said he could try to play in the Sixers’ preseason finale on Friday against Atlanta. Nurse, in his first season, said Harden playing in the finale now seems “unlikely.” “It’s been ongoing for a long time now,” Nurse said. “I’ve got a job to do with the guys that are here, and we just go to work. If that changes, we’ll adjust. That’s what we do.” Harden has been one of the league’s top players for the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He led the league in assists last season. RELATED STORIES NBA: James Harden fined $100,000 for public comments about status with 76ers No time to relax, says Harden after leading Houston over New Orleans.....»»
Kai’s last chance
Up to now, Kai Sotto’s stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup remains unclear. Sure, he has been in the country for over two weeks and has been attending some Gilas Pilipinas events, but the fact that he has yet to actually train with his teammates is making Chot Reyes anxious. Sotto is tipped to play a crucial role in the Gilas squad. His 7-foot-3 frame, athleticism and feathery shooting touch from the perimeter will be needed when the Filipinos battle the best players in the world in the prestigious basketball spectacle from 25 August to 10 September. But it will be impossible for Reyes to involve Sotto in his game plan if he has yet to actually see him banging bodies with his fellow big men like World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rising star AJ Edu. It is no secret that Sotto’s dream is to make it to the National Basketball Association. He was still a gangly kid when he started joining the Junior NBA program before moving to Ateneo de Manila University and eventually donning the national colors in various age-group events — the biggest and most prestigious was the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. A lot of offers came his way, including a chance to play for prestigious European clubs like Alba Berlin, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia, but Sotto, then 17, decided to bring his talent to the United States — not to enter play at the collegiate level — but to make a daring leap straight into the NBA. After training at The Skill Factory, he joined Team Ignite, a developmental team in the NBA G League that aims to prepare athletes for the NBA. At Team Ignite, Sotto showed some promise as he played for former Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw together with future NBA players Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, and Isiah Todd. But when Team Ignite was about to start its season and enter the G League bubble in Orlando, Sotto shockingly flew home and joined Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Ignite eventually dropped Sotto, prompting him to look for other ways to realize his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. He found one in Australia. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and had some measure of success. In fact, he was able to gauge his prowess when the 36ers played against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in an NBA preseason match. After a couple of seasons in Australia, he moved to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B League. He had some impressive games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the attention of NBA coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators. Still, he joined the NBA Summer League. Playing against veteran free agents, journeymen, and incoming rookies looking to earn spots on the opening-day rosters of NBA teams, Sotto rode the Orlando Magic bench in their first three games before making his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording six points, four rebounds and three blocks in their 71-88 loss. Sotto tried to play in his fifth game, but he was slowed down by a back injury. His return to Manila was surrounded by controversy as he failed to join the Gilas squad that was set to go to China for the final leg of its preparations for the World Cup. He opted to stay home to “rest and recover” from his back injury. Until when? It’s something that only Sotto and his American handlers know. But Sotto should realize that the doors of the NBA are slowly closing on him. He already made a bad decision by snubbing the invitations of top European clubs as well as prestigious American collegiate programs like Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Auburn that could have helped him develop his game and gain confidence while playing against kids his age. Instead of staying patient and working on his game away from the prying eyes of NBA scouts, he rushed the process by signing up with Team Ignite before committing another massive blunder of flying back to Manila just before the G League season tipped off. Now he has only one chance — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. A lot of Filipinos ranging from Johnny Abarrientos to Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks all tried — and failed — to make it to the NBA. On the contrary, Sotto is being presented with a rare opportunity to display his talent and carry the torch in a world-class event. Sadly, despite repeatedly saying that he is ready, his body language suggests that he is reluctant to step up to serve as the hero of this basketball-crazy nation. The clock is ticking for Sotto. The doors of the NBA are slowly closing right before his very eyes. He has to lace his sneakers, grab that Gilas jersey, and play his heart out for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup before he becomes another “what if” in the history of Philippine basketball. The post Kai’s last chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Great Brown Hope
The entire nation erupted in celebration when Kai Sotto finally made his debut in the National Basketball Association Summer League. It was such a memorable performance. The 7-foot-3 Filipino posted six points, four rebounds, three blocks, and an assist in the Orlando Magic’s 88-71 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. Aside from washing away the bitterness from being benched in their first three matches against the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks, Sotto’s breakout performance could pave the way for him to land a two-way contract in the NBA. We, however, have to manage our expectations. The Filipinos’ road to the NBA is littered with tears, frustrations, and a lot of heartbreaks. Unlike the Chinese, Japanese, Iranians, and Koreans, no full-blooded Filipino has ever penetrated the NBA since its founding in 1946. Johnny Abarrientos came very close when he caught the attention of the Charlotte Hornets following Alaska’s grand slam season in 1996. In fact, the Hornets sent its international scout, Joe Bettancourt, to the country to watch the 5-foot-7 Abarrientos live and in action. Bettancourt was on the sidelines when Alaska battled Purefoods, hoping to give Abarrientos a 10-day contract that would have him replacing the injured Muggsy Bogues, the 5-foot-3 court general who ran the offense for Hornets coach Dave Cowens. Abarrientos, Bettancourt, and Alaska coach Tim Cone even had a “secret meeting” at the Manila Peninsula in 1997 to discuss the terms of Abarrientos’ contract and the possibility of him becoming the first Asian to play in the NBA. But it never happened. Cowens eventually pulled the plug on Bogues and sent him to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for BJ Armstrong, a 6-foot-2 playmaker who was part of the great Chicago Bulls squad that won three straight NBA titles. With Bogues gone, Abarrientos’s chance of making it to the NBA also vanished. Japeth Aguilar tried to revive the Filipinos’ NBA dream a decade later. After seeing action for Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines league, Aguilar moved to the United States to enroll at Western Kentucky University, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I program that produced NBA players like Courtney Lee, Mitchell Robinson, and Jeremy Evans. But the 6-foot-9 Aguilar failed to adjust to the speed and physicality of American basketball that had him struggling in his two years with the Hilltoppers. Aguilar was invited to a two-day workout with the New Orleans Hornets but their scout, Don Sellers, said that he remained a “work in progress” and was not yet ready for the NBA. Then, he was drafted in the seventh round by the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA D-League but his run also didn’t last long as he was eventually relegated to being a practice player until he was waived. Aguilar’s Gilas Pilipinas teammates — Ray Parks and Kiefer Ravena — also tried their luck with the NBA but their journeys only brought them as far as the NBA D-League. Veteran international campaigner Jojo Lastimosa was spot on with his observation: In this time and age, making it to the NBA is harder than it used to be. It’s no longer height that matters, but the mentality, work ethic, international exposure, and overall skill set that are the most important. For Sotto to make it to the NBA, he has to develop a reliable outside shot and quicker feet that will make him deadly in pick-and-roll attacks and enable him to switch to smaller, faster players at the defensive end. He also has to spend a lot of time getting exposed to American basketball, where giants like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic are shooting, running, attacking, and dribbling like skilled playmakers. Sotto is a generational talent. He is our only hope to break the solid walls of the NBA, where only 450 roster spots are available. If he doesn’t make it, maybe — just maybe — it’s time for us to abandon our NBA dream. The post Great Brown Hope appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Magic coach tips hat to Kai Sotto: Credit to him for staying ready
Orlando Magic Summer League coach Dylan Murphy lauded Kai Sotto for his solid debut despite getting benched in their first three games......»»
No Magic in Orlando
Orlando will play its fourth NBA Summer League game against Portland in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time) and it remains to be seen if Magic coach Dylan Murphy finally calls Kai Sotto’s number after three straight DNPs......»»
Kai Sotto, NBA Summer League teammates told: Play hard, fast, right
Orlando Magic Summer League coach Dylan Murphy sent a strong message to Kai Sotto and the rest of the squad before their first game tips off Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time)......»»
Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts
photograph courtesy of Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra AERIAL silks. photograph courtesy of Kate Cometa AERIAL hammock. Zendaya as circus aerialist Anne Wheeler in the 2017 musical drama film The Greatest Showman is truly captivating. But do you know that you can also do her aerial tricks? Well, yes, if you take lessons in aerial arts, which are offered in local studios. Aerial arts is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial dance and acrobatics with the use of an apparatus, such as hoop, silks and hammock as the most common ones. Aerial hoop Aerial hoop (also known as lyra) looks a lot like hula hoop, though made of steel and suspended from an overhead point upon which a performer can do tricks while spinning. Nesh Zamora teaches aerial hoop at Elite Aerial Arts, which she co-owns. She began her aerial arts journey in 2012. She was then engaged to be married and weighed about 138 pounds, so she wanted to slim down to fit nicely into her wedding gown. She “chanced upon” a dance and fitness studio around the Ortigas area, where she discovered pole fitness, dance and eventually, aerial arts. She fell in love with aerial hoop and silks that she continued taking lessons in different studios in Metro Manila and in the United States even after she achieved her ideal weight. “It was a slow start for me,” she recalls. “I needed to psych myself to believe that I can be at par with the other girls in class. Would you believe it took me six sessions to just be able to climb the aerial fabric? There are no shortcuts in learning aerial arts. It is truly for everyone as long as they are willing to put in the work.” Zamora says she started teaching aerial hoop and silks in 2014, after taking “intensive classes from known aerialists in countries like Thailand, Hong Kong and the US.” Today, she also teaches and performs (during parties or corporate events) aerial silks and hammock, as well as less common types like aerial straps, cube, moon and lyrapole. She recommends aerial arts not only for only for its health and health and confidence-boosting benefits but also the friendships formed among students and teachers. “Whatever lifestyle, gender, age and even weight you may have when you enter our studio, you will end your first session knowing that aerial arts is for you.” Tips for new students: 1. Make sure you choose a studio with qualified instructors and which puts premium to student safety in terms of the quality of equipment used and instruction pacing. 2. Come to class with an open mind. 3. Try out all types of aerial equipment to see what excites you the most. 4. Listen and watch intently. Don’t be shy to ask your instructors to repeat or demonstrate what is being taught. 5. Enjoy and document your progression by taking photos and videos. 6. Never compromise your safety. Elite Aerial Arts Address: 143-3 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Website: eliteaerialarts.com. FB: Elite Aerial Arts, IG: @eliteaerialartsph. Aerial silks Aerial silks (also referred to as tissu, fabric and ribbon) are two long pieces of fabric made of not silks but a blend of polyster-lycra or nylon tricot that measure at least 16 meters each. These fabrics are draped down from a single point, which is then connected on a ceiling or outdoor rig using steel or aluminum hardware. The performer will climb the silks and do different kinds of sequences on them. Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra is an aerial instructor at Idanceph dance studio and a junior member of the Whiplash Dance Company. In 2014, or merely a year after she learned aerial silks, this former teacher of ballet for kids made the cut in the Hall of Fame of TV5’s Talentadong Pinoy with her stunning performance. Over the years, she’s learned many other apparatuses, such as hoop, hammock, chandelier, moon and helix. She says not to believe in misconceptions that aerial arts is only for women who are young, strong and have a dance background. “It’s a step-by-step process. Little by little, your body will become strong and you will have confidence that you can do the tricks. As long as you’re happy with what you are doing, just keep going. What matters is what your heart wants.” Tips for new students: 1. Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the class you will be attending. 2. Do some proper warm-ups before class starts. 3. Expect more laughter and be ready to surprise yourself. 4. If you have a health concern, don’t be shy or don’t hesitate to tell the teacher or coach about it. 5. Be friendly, so you can make new friends and have a support system. 6. Most of all, just enjoy the class. Idanceph Address: #96 Maginhawa St., M Place Building, Diliman, Quezon City. FB: Idanceph. Aerial hammock Aerial hammock (also called slings) is similar to the one used in aerial yoga or aerial fitness, but with a much longer fabric, so the performer can do more tricks while spinning. Kate Cometa teaches aerial hammock at Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. She discovered aerial arts in 2016, when, as she tells it, “life had me all kinds of confused,” especially in her relationships and career choices, while suffering from insomnia and anxiety. “When I started in aerial silks, I looked more like a flailing sausage than a graceful aerialist. For two whole months, I couldn’t even manage a simple invert.” But she didn’t give up and even became “obsessed” with aerial arts, not minding “spending all my money on class cards and super cool aerial outfits.” She then joined her first recital and realized that it wasn’t just a hobby but already her “heart and soul.” She also ventured into hoop and silks, and even outside her comfort zone with pole dance. In 2018, she started teaching aerial hammock and joined her first competition, the Philippine Aerial Cup, in the amateur women pole division. “The most important thing is to allow yourself to be a beginner and fully enjoy the class,” Cometa points out. “There’s no need to worry about your fitness background or any preconceived notion. Everyone is welcome. It’s an inclusive community that embraces diversity and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.” Tips to new students: 1. Listen to your teacher and truly know your body parts, both left and right. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how often we forget those essential details when we’re hanging in the air. 2. Approach your aerial journey with an open heart that is ready to accept new things, embrace challenges and love every step of the process. It’s through this openness that you’ll find the true magic of aerial arts. 3. Let the guidance and expertise of your instructor sink in and trust that they are there to support you on your incredible journey. (Cometa leads the aerial flow workshop in Cebu on 8 to 10 July.) Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio Address: 2nd Floor, Pioneer Centre, United Street corner Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City. FB: Beast Home Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. IG: @beasthomeph. The post Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enjoy the process, but be a sponge : Magic coach encourages Kai Sotto, other NBA Summer League bets
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley dropped a piece of advice to Kai Sotto and the rest of their Summer League team rookies navigating their NBA journey. .....»»
Kai Sotto to play under Osceola Magic coach Dylan Murphy
The Philippines’ 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto will play under newly named Osceola Magic head coach Dylan Murphy in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas......»»
10,000 steps and the 21-day habit
A fitness coach friend of mine revealed the secret of forming habits. He got my attention by saying, “Francis, in our business, we have what is called “The magic 8th month stretch” which is the main manifestation that the healthy habit of exercise is formed.”.....»»
These 19 fresh Kapuso teens are ready to sparkle
The “betting” must be on now. Who among the 19 Sparkle Teens of Kapuso network will make it as the biggest star in, say, two to five years? Would having a foreign surname with mestiza or meztizo looks help? After all, our two Miss Universe title holders — Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray — have them. On film and TV, Anne Curtis is it. And Gerald Anderson, as well as Alden Richards. Maybe if James Reid didn’t quit Viva management, he would be “it,” too! Or if Sam Milby mastered Filipino/Tagalog and turned on a more vibrant personality. How do you relate to the Caucasian names Waynona Collings, Charlie Fleming (yes, this Charlie is a girl, like Kapamilya’s Charlie Dizon), Selina Griffin, James Graham and Josh Ford? Do check out their pics on the GMA 7 website. There’s a young man among the Sparkle Teens who go by the name of John Clifford, but it’s a coined name for the guy whose social media pics are under the name Clifford Gawchua, though he has also begun posting pics as John Clifford. The Chinese “chua” in his surname manifests in his handsome Asian looks. A girl in the stunning bundle of lookers goes by the name of Gaea Mischa. Her first name refers to the Greek goddess of Earth. Google says Mischa is a name of Russian and Hebrew origins that means “honey” and “whom God loves.” A Google search also reveals that she’s Gaea Mischa S. Salipot, a student of the International British Academy in Cavite (which also offers home schooling) who became a 2018 Champion of the World Division Winner in California, USA. Gaea Mischa was also a finalist under Team Lea of The Voice Kids PH Season 4 in 2019. She is quite morena and inarguably pretty. [caption id="attachment_122358" align="aligncenter" width="712"] GMA Network’s Sparkle Teens of 2023.[/caption] There’s a young man by the name of Lee Victor, and Internet data about him says he is “half-Welsh and half-Filipino.” And there’s a girl by the name of Naomi Park who introduced herself at the media launch at Novotel in Cubao, QC, last Tuesday afternoon, 18 April, as “ang K-pop girl ng Sparkle Teens.” With very fair complexion, Naomi does look Korean. The other members of Sparkle Teens are Zyren dela Cruz, Brice Eusebio, Aya Domingo, Liana Mae, Marco Masa, Princess Aliyah, Ashley Sarmiento, Keisha Serna, Aidan Veneracion and Antonio Vinson. Handpicked They are 10 young women and nine young men. Their number by gender should have been equal, but Andrei Sison died in a car accident a few days ago and Sparkle management decided not to replace him. There’s inside talk at the Kapuso network that Mr. M (Johnny Manahan, formerly of ABS-CBN and founder of Star Magic, the disenfranchised network’s much-admired talent discovery and management division) handpicked all 20 of them. It was Mr. M who saw to it that all 20 undergo a long stretch of training in acting, dancing, singing, public speaking and other disciplines meant to develop their personalities for public exposure. At their launch, acting was the only thing the 19 Sparkles did not showcase. They were all impressive. No one was a laggard. Some talked very engagingly during the group interviews. Three females may be said to have been given a special showcase by belting out a rousing song, joined by the others later. They were Princess Aliyah, Selina Griffin and Gaea Mischa. Princess Aliyah is dubbed “ang Biritera ng Sparkle Teens.” Gaea Mischa is billed as “ang Stunning Diva ng Sparkle Teens.” Griffin is presented as “ang ballerina at classical singer” of the group. Stardom According to GMA 7 assistant vice president Joy Marcelo, all 19 will perform regularly on the network’s weekly musical variety show All-Out Sundays. Some have also been cast in forthcoming drama shows. “They can’t be cast all at the same time,” said Marcelo, even as their original managers surely hope the casting will happen in 2023. The original managers, who are usually the discoverers of these 19, are now considered co-managers since all 19 are on a management contact with the network’s talent development and management center known as Sparkle, a name believed to have been coined by Mr. M who is acknowledged to have come up with “Star Magic” for ABS-CBN. “Executable” or “demonstratable” talent is just one element of big-time stardom. There are others, such as perseverance, a sense of professionalism, congeniality with the biggies of management, and the so-called X factor or “mystique” of stardom, which Mr. M is acknowledged to be very good at recognizing. Showbiz names may contribute to one’s X factor — being the son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, niece or nephew of a well-loved established star. Antonio Vinzon, for instance, is character actor Roi Vinzon’s son. Some girls are taller than the others. Same is true among the boys. The degree of beauty or handsomeness depends on the looker. And so does the intensity of one’s appeal, smile or swagger. Ultimately, the multitude is the endower of big-time stardom. Sparkle members somehow have to compete among themselves since they may be asked to audition for the same roles in separate “readings” of specific scenes with the show director, or on a day assigned for “resident” stars to audition. The post These 19 fresh Kapuso teens are ready to sparkle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grizzlies hold off Lakers to level series 1-1
The Memphis Grizzlies shook off the absence of star guard Ja Morant to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 103-93 on Wednesday and knot their NBA Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece. Xavier Tillman scored 22 points and pulled down 18 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies, who led by as many as 20 points in a bruising battle that saw Lakers center Anthony Davis suffer a small cut on his right eyelid and LeBron James drawn into a verbal back and forth with Dillon Brooks. With All-Star point guard Morant ruled out with a bruised right hand, the Grizzlies clamped down defensively, Tillman saying their message to Morant was "we've got his back, and we're going to hold it down for him." Tillman keyed Memphis's quick start, connecting on his first six shots and finishing 10-of-13 from the floor. The Grizzlies led by as many as 16 points on the way to a 59-44 halftime lead as the harried Lakers failed to find a way to get their offense firing. Davis blocked five shots in the first half but connected on just one of nine shot attempts. He finished with 13 points on four-of-14 shooting. James led all scorers with 28 points and Japan's Rui Hachimura added 20 to become the first Laker to score 20 points off the bench in back-to-back playoff games since Magic Johnson in 1996. But unlike in game one, there would be no late resurgence for the Lakers, the Grizzlies absorbing the Lakers' second-half push. Jaren Jackson Jr., the newly named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, scored 18 points, Desmond Bane added 17 and Brooks chipped in 12. Tyus Jones, starting in place of Morant, added 10 and eight assists. After the Grizzlies pushed their lead to 20 points early in the third quarter, the Lakers began to push back. Two baskets and two free throws from James launched a 17-3 Lakers scoring run that sliced the deficit to six points, but that's as close as they would get the rest of the way. Now, Tillman said, the Grizzlies will summon a "road warrior mentality" for game three of the best-of-seven series in Los Angeles on Saturday. Antetokounmpo ruled out Elsewhere the Milwaukee Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo as they tried to claw back a victory against the Miami Heat in their Eastern Conference first-round series. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, suffered a lower back contusion in the first quarter of the Eastern Conference top seeds' 130-117 loss in game one on Sunday. The Bucks, the top seeds in the East and owners of the best regular-season record in the league, had hoped he would be fit to return but he was ruled out less than two hours before tip-off. "He's continued to improve," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game. "But organizationally, talking and working with him and the sports performance group, a decision was made. He's out." Two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, sought to extend their series lead over Minnesota when they hosted the Timberwolves in game two of their Western Conference clash. The post Grizzlies hold off Lakers to level series 1-1 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mavericks fined $750,000 after benching stars in Bulls loss
The Dallas Mavericks have been fined $750,000 fine after controversially fielding a weakened team in their loss to the Chicago Bulls earlier this month, the NBA said Friday. The NBA said the Mavericks' abrupt decision to hold out five key players in a game they had to win in order to have a chance of reaching the postseason represented "conduct detrimental to the league." "The Dallas Mavericks' decision to restrict key players from fully participating in an elimination game last Friday against Chicago undermined the integrity of our sport," said Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations. "The Mavericks' actions failed our fans and our league." The NBA said the Mavericks' decision was made to improve the franchise's chances of retaining a first-round pick in the 2023 draft. The Mavericks still owe a first-round pick to the New York Knicks as part of the trade for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019. But if the NBA's draft lottery determines they have a top-10 selection, they don't have to give it up. A lower finish in the overall standings increases the odds of drawing a top-10 pick in the lottery. "The Mavericks violated the league's player resting policy and demonstrated through actions and public statements the organization's desire to lose the game in order to improve the chances of keeping its first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft," the NBA said in a statement. However, the league said there was no evidence that the players who took to the court for the game were not playing to win. Mavs coach Jason Kidd told reporters before the game that he had intended to field a full-strength side before being informed by billionaire owner Mark Cuban and the front office to rest Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., and key reserves Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and Christian Wood. "We were going to play until told otherwise," Kidd said. "And today is the day that we've been told that we're going to do something different." It is not the first time Dallas and Cuban have fallen afoul of the NBA over the issue of "tanking." Cuban was fined $600,000 in 2018 after saying in a podcast that he had told players and coaches that "losing is our best option." The post Mavericks fined $750,000 after benching stars in Bulls loss appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Abarrientos fined P10 K for obscene gesture
The PBA yesterday slapped Magnolia assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos a P10,000 fine for an obscene gesture he made during the Hotshots’ 111-109 loss to Converge in the Governors’ Cup last Sunday......»»
Ricafort takes over as PLDT head coach
Rald Ricafort will try to weave his championship magic with another Premier Volleyball League team – the PLDT High Speed Hitters......»»
New champion coach takes over PLDT’s reins in PVL
Rald Ricafort will try to weave his championship magic with another Premier Volleyball League team — the PLDT High Speed Hitters......»»
Expert shares techniques at SKY Fiber Super Speed Dating virtual event
The pandemic may have limited social life and dating but single people need not fret because technology has made connections — including romantic ones, possible. At SKY Fiber’s Super Speed Dating virtual event held recently with Singles Events Manila, US-certified matchmaker and science-based dating coach Vanessa Antonio offered five helpful tips for those searching for love. “These techniques, besides being science-based, have worked like magic to many of […] The post Expert shares techniques at SKY Fiber Super Speed Dating virtual event appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Johnson s big finish gives him 5-shot lead at TPC Boston
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer NORTON, Mass. (AP) — Dustin Johnson arrived at the TPC Boston this week, headed to the practice range and then looked at his swing coach. “He said, ‘Bro, what am I supposed to be working on again?’” Claude Harmon said Saturday as he watched his pupil set another personal record in The Northern Trust. Johnson isn't doing much wrong at the moment, a daunting prospect to the guys trying to chase him. His birdie-eagle finish gave Johnson a 7-under 64 and stretched his lead to five shots over Harris English and Scottie Scheffler. The finish would have come in handy the day before. Johnson was an astounding 11-under par through 11 holes Friday and had the golf world curious if he would go as low as 57 to set the PGA Tour record. Instead, he finished with seven straight pars for a 60, his best ever but not what it could have been. Johnson put that behind him and looked just as good. Instead of the fast start, it was a big finish. He rolled in a 20-foot birdie on the 17th, and then holed a 40-footer up a ridge and down toward the hole for eagle on the par-5 18th. That put him at 22-under 191, his lowest 54-hole by three shots. In his mind, there is still work to be done. “I'm in a great position and like where I’m at, but I’m still going to have to go out and shoot a good score,” Johnson said. “You can go low out here and guys are going low every day, especially with the conditions we have — perfect greens, golf course is in great shape and not a lot of wind.” Johnson knows better than to think it's over. Just an hour before he signed for his 64, he was tied for the lead until English made bogeys on the 16th and 17th and missed a 7-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 66. He could also think back to the HSBC Champions in Shanghai three years ago, when he had a six-shot lead in the final round and lost to Justin Rose, matching a PGA Tour record. As well as he's playing, he's only thinking of going as low as he can. “Doesn't matter what the other guys are doing,” Johnson said. “I’m just going to play my game and I’ll be aggressive when I can be and be a little more conservative when I have to be.” Scheffler, coming off the 12th round of 59 or better on the PGA Tour, had a 67. He played in the final group with Johnson, just like he did two weeks ago on the final day of the PGA Championship. On this day, it was a final pair of two players who had the lowest rounds in TPC Boston history. Only one of them shot golf's magic number, and that wasn't a topic of conversation for either of them. “I just told him nice playing,” Johnson said. Scheffler said his text messages included one from Ben Crenshaw, a big supporter of all Texas Longhorns. Otherwise, as a local NFL coach might say, it was on to Saturday. “Yesterday was awesome and the only difference going into today was everybody was telling me good round still, and that’s pretty rare,” Scheffler said. “Once I got on the course, I didn’t think once about it.” Johnson is going for his second victory of the year and could go to No. 1 in the world — provided Jon Rahm doesn't finish second — for the first time since May 2019. Tiger Woods predicted Friday there would be low scoring in the third round, and he was right — just not from him or Rory McIlroy, a star pairing for the breakfast hour. Woods birdied the last hole for a 73. McIlroy made two triple bogeys in his round of 74. They get to play again Sunday morning. Johnson will be going for his fifth FedEx Cup playoff victory, and third in this event on a third course. What matters more is how he finishes the season. The FedEx Cup already features some of the best players in golf — Woods, McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth among them — and Johnson wants to be on that list. Johnson set the target with four birdies in eight holes before heavy rain moved in and halted the third round for 45 minutes. It also softened a TPC Boston that was getting slightly firmer. He came back and hit to tap-in range for birdie on the 12th, and the had the great finish. Johnson needed a birdie on the 18th on Friday for his first 59, and said he regrets hitting driver off the tee with a shot that tumbled down a small slope into the rough. Lesson learned? Not really. With the rain, he opted for driver again, teed it low and hit this one perfect, setting up a 5-iron to the green and his long eagle putt......»»
Trail Blazers rally to force OT, beat Grizzlies 140-135
By The Associated Press LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — CJ McCollum scored 33 points, teaming with Damian Lillard for 11 of Portland’s 16 in overtime, and the Trail Blazers pulled out a desperately needed victory to resume their season by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 140-135 on Friday. Lillard finished with 29 points and nine assists to help the Trail Blazers boost their hopes for a seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Carmelo Anthony added 21 points as Portland moved within 2 1/2 games of the Grizzlies for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. McCollum started fast, scoring 19 points in the first half, and finished strong with two crucial 3-pointers in overtime. The first one to open the extra period gave Portland the lead for good, and he added six assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 33 points and rookie Ja Morant added 22 points and 11 assists for Memphis. Memphis rallied from a 13-point, third-quarter deficit to take an 11-point lead, then gave it away almost as quickly. When the Grizzlies recovered to take a 112-103 lead with 6:01 left in regulation, it appeared the Grizzlies might pad their lead in the standings. Instead, Anthony’s 3 with 37.5 seconds left tied it at 124 and Morant fell on a last-second fast break, sending the game to overtime. MAGIC 128, NETS 118 Evan Fournier scored 24 points, Nikola Vucevic had 22 and Orlando picked up where it left off before the NBA season was suspended, beating Brooklyn. Playing as the designated road team not far from their arena, the Magic looked right at home at Disney — whose name they wear as their jersey patch. They extended their winning streak to four and moved back ahead of the Nets into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn also won its last three before the stoppage, but the decimated team that returned is a shell of the one that beat the Lakers in Los Angeles in its final game. The Nets are missing Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan and Taurean Prince after they tested positive for the coronavirus. They are already playing without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who had season-ending surgery. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 24 points for the Nets. SUNS 125, WIZARDS 112 Devin Booker scored 27 points, Deandre Ayton added 24 points and 12 rebounds and Phoenix beat Washington. Booker made all nine of his free throws and the Suns hit 30 of 32 from the line. They shot 52% from the field, with Ayton hitting two of three 3-pointers and going 11 of 14 overall. Rui Hachimura scored 21 points and Jerome Robinson added 20 for the Wizards on coach Scott Brooks’ 55th birthday......»»