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TOPJonquel Jones is on the cusp of her long-awaited Liberty return
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed satisfaction after hearing star center Jonquel Jones declare herself feeling "99.9999999999999999 percent" back to full health following a team practice at Barclays Center. Jones made this statement, humorously specifying 16 decimal places, ahead of her confirmed return for the Liberty's first game after the All-Star break on July 22nd against the Indiana Fever. Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, participated in full five-on-five work for the first time on Saturday. She had been sidelined for eight games due to an aggravated right ankle injury suffered on June 19th against the Mercury. This was a recurrence of an initial ankle injury sustained on June 5th that caused her to miss two games. Doctors had given her a recovery timeline of four to six weeks. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty, causing their defense to falter without her presence in the paint and depriving the team of an important offensive piece both inside and from three-point range. During the stretch without Jones, the Liberty went 4-4. Five of those games were also without starter Leonie Fiebich, who was competing in Eurobasket for Germany. Jones has only played in nine games this season, averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Despite the lengthy absence, Jones now reports feeling "great" and stated she doesn't feel her ankle during play. However, she noted that warming up remains "the hardest part" of her current routine.
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TOPNuggets Coach Reveals Big Change for Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets have officially acquired center Jonas Valanciunas in a trade that sent Dario Saric to another team. This move is seen as beneficial for the Nuggets, allowing them to move on from Saric's contract after he was deemed unplayable last season, while finally providing star center Nikola Jokic with a quality backup. Jokic averaged a career-high nearly 37 minutes per game last season, significantly higher than his previous seasons where he never averaged above 35 minutes. This increased workload appeared to impact his performance negatively, particularly in the playoffs during the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where his efficiency dropped. Nuggets head coach David Adelman, speaking at the NBA Summer League, emphasized the importance of managing Jokic's minutes in the upcoming season. Adelman stated, "We know that one of the most important things we have to do next season is take care of him, and make sure that he is the best version of himself if we’re lucky enough to get to that playoff spot," acknowledging the concern and committing to address it properly. Despite Jokic's incredible individual season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, he did not win the MVP award. This was largely due to the outstanding season by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, although Jokic had a strong case for what would have been his fourth MVP in five years.
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Mystics vs. Storm Prediction, Odds, Best WNBA Prop Bets for Sunday, July 13
The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics are both competing for WNBA playoff spots. The Storm have won seven of their last ten games, moving them to fourth place in the standings before Sunday's game. The Mystics, holding a 10-10 record and tied with several teams, have won six of their last ten games heading into their matchup against the Storm. Despite Seattle's strong form, a recent loss to the Connecticut Sun is noted as a potential concern against Washington's young, defensive team. Given the Mystics' poor road record (only three wins this season), the Storm are 6.5-point favorites. A betting analysis focuses on a player prop for Mystics' Shakira Austin, specifically whether she will score over or under 14.5 points. Austin averages 12.4 points per game and has only exceeded 14.5 points in six of her 17 appearances this season. Despite recovering from an early-season injury, the analysis predicts she will not reach this mark against the Storm's defense, ranked third in the league for scoring defense. Reasons cited include Austin's limited minutes (only one game over 30 minutes), her reliance on scoring in the paint rather than from three-point range, and the presence of Storm defenders Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor. The expectation is that Austin will finish under 14.5 points. The betting recommendation is to fade the Washington Mystics' team total. Although the Mystics have won six of their last ten to stay in playoff contention, the analysis argues against them offensively facing the Storm defense on Sunday. Statistical trends point towards a low-scoring game, leading the bettor to specifically target the Mystics' team total as their best wager for the matchup.
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Rebecca Lobo Incredulous at No Calls for Caitlin Clark in Fever-Wings Game
Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo criticized officiating during Caitlin Clark's performance in the Indiana Fever's game against the Dallas Wings. During ESPN's broadcast, Lobo highlighted a first-quarter sequence where Clark drove against JJ Quinerly, enduring multiple uncalled fouls before finally drawing a whistle. Replays showed clear contact, with Lobo stating: "There's a grab, there's a hold, there's another grab... every single one of them are fouls." Play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco agreed with Lobo's assessment of the physical defense. This incident reflects ongoing complaints from the Fever organization about inadequate foul calls protecting Clark throughout the season. Earlier criticisms came from player Sophie Cunningham and head coach Stephanie White. Concerns are heightened by Clark's history of lower-body injuries, which have caused her to miss nine games, putting added scrutiny on the physical play officials permit against her. Despite the lack of foul calls in this sequence, Clark converted both resulting free throws. The Fever maintained momentum heading into halftime, unaffected by the officiating controversies during this particular game.
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ACES VS MYSTICS PREDICTIONS, PICKS & ODDS FOR TONIGHT’S WNBA GAME
The article presents predictions for the July 10th WNBA matchup between the Washington Mystics and Las Vegas Aces at EagleBank Arena. The Mystics are looking to build on a win against Chicago, while the Aces aim to rebound from a loss to New York. The analysis leans towards a Washington victory, highlighting rookie Kiki Iriafen as a key factor. Iriafen, recently named an All-Star, is predicted to exploit the Aces' defensive weaknesses. She averages 12.2 points and 8.4 rebounds, with six double-doubles this season, including in her last two home games. The Aces present a favorable matchup for Iriafen. They allow the fourth-most rebounds per game (35.3 overall, 35.9 on the road) and the second-most points in the paint (37.3). Given Iriafen operates exclusively inside and excels as a rebounder and interior scorer, the prediction specifically recommends betting on her achieving a double-double at +290 odds. Further betting recommendations include taking the Mystics moneyline and the Under 158.5 points. Both teams hold identical 9-10 records. The Mystics are strong at home (6-3), while the Aces are 4-6 on the road and struggling against the spread (7-12 ATS).
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NCAA Vice President of Basketball Releases Statement on March Madness Expansion
The NCAA Basketball Tournament will remain at 68 teams for now, despite recent discussions about expanding it to 72 or 76 teams. NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed that while the possibility of expansion was discussed at length during meetings of the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Committees this week, no decision or recommendation was made. Gavitt stated that viable options still include keeping the tournaments at 68 teams or expanding them to either 72 or 76 teams, potentially by the 2026 or 2027 championships. However, expansion for the 2026 tournament is considered unlikely due to the event being only eight months away, leaving limited time for necessary format changes. While not ruled out entirely, a final decision on potential expansion will be made at a later date. The tournament last expanded in 2011, moving from 65 to 68 teams, which introduced the current format including the First Four games.
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Nike Ja 3 “Light Show” Lands In China For Ja Morant’s World Tour
Nike's Asia tour has become a significant tradition for the company's athletes, serving as a key part of their "grow the game" initiative, with stars like Zion Williamson and Sabrina Ionescu participating. These athletes often debut signature products during the tour, as exemplified by Sabrina Ionescu's Titan x Sabrina 2 release in the Philippines. Ja Morant is the next athlete set to embark on this tour, and it has been confirmed he will bring the new Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" sneaker. The Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" was initially revealed during the basketball-focused SNKRS Showcase. It belongs to the three-part "Make 'Em Watch" collection, unified by a graffiti "A" on the lateral side spelling out Morant's first name. While other collection editions focus on US locations, this pair is designed for international appeal. It features vibrant hues over a neutral white/grey base, with a show-stopping reflective blue and pink Swoosh, complemented by orange and purple accents. The signature design elements of the Ja 3 remain, highlighted by the distinctive jagged synthetic material running vertically from the collar to the outsole. This bold design choice contributed to the model's positive initial reception. The Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" is currently expected to be exclusive to China, but updates will be provided if this information changes.
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What sort of a player are the Boston Celtics getting in rookie guard Max Shulga?
The Boston Celtics selected rookie guard Max Shulga with the No. 57 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, prompting analysis of his potential impact from his former Virginia Commonwealth University head coach, Ryan Odom. Odom, who coached the Ukrainian combo guard for four collegiate seasons, possesses extensive knowledge of Shulga's abilities. He recently participated in an interview with Celtics team reporter Marc D'Amico to outline what Boston fans can anticipate from Shulga during his rookie season. Their discussion covered both Shulga's on-court attributes—including detailed assessments of his strengths and weaknesses as a player—and insights into his personal character and off-court personality.
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One savvy lineup change may be all it takes for Dream to reach the next level
The Atlanta Dream is enjoying a strong season with a 12-7 record, having defeated top teams like the Fever, Storm, and Liberty. While the additions of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner have significantly boosted Allisha Gray’s offensive impact, analysts suggest a lineup change could elevate the team further: starting Naz Hillmon over Brittney Griner. The current starting lineup (Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner) has logged over 100 minutes but produced only a 1.0 net rating. In contrast, the lineup featuring Hillmon instead of Griner—Gray, Jones, Canada, Howard, and Hillmon—achieved a 30.3 net rating over 64 minutes. Atlanta’s best-performing lineups consistently include the trio of Gray, Howard, and Jones, with Hillmon’s presence further enhancing production. Playing two traditional bigs like Jones and Griner is increasingly challenging in the modern WNBA due to limited floor spacing. Jones shoots just 21.4% from three on low volume, whereas Hillmon has transformed into a reliable perimeter threat, hitting 35.2% of her 2.8 three-point attempts per game. Hillmon’s spacing allows Jones more room to operate effectively in the paint. Though Griner and Jones offer a size advantage against specific opponents, Hillmon’s versatility provides greater overall flexibility. Hillmon already leads all reserves in fourth-quarter minutes and often closes games, indicating coach Karl Smesko’s trust. Promoting her to the starting lineup is framed as a strategic adjustment to maximize the team’s potential, emphasizing the limitations of dual-big lineups rather than a critique of Griner individually.
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Jalen Williams agrees to 5-year max rookie contract extension with Thunder, deal could reach $287 million
Jalen Williams has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, potentially worth up to $287 million, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The 24-year-old wing secured this deal following a breakout season where he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, contributing significantly to the Thunder's 68-win championship campaign. Williams established himself as the team's clear second option behind league MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His performance drew comparisons from Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, who noted similarities in their development paths—both were unheralded high school prospects who blossomed at mid-major colleges before becoming first-round NBA draft picks. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and 23-year-old center Chet Holmgren, Williams forms part of a young Thunder core positioned to build a potential dynasty. All three have now committed long-term to Oklahoma City, with their combined extensions potentially totaling $822 million, securing the "Big 3" through the rest of the decade. Williams emphasized the team's cohesion, stating that player willingness to embrace defined roles facilitates collective growth. He noted, "When everybody accepts that role for the better of their team... it allows everybody to grow and get better," highlighting the Thunder's organizational synergy.
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76ers emerge as big losers after veteran backtracks from stunning rumor
The Philadelphia 76ers missed a potential under-the-radar trade opportunity when Jonas Valanciunas decided to stay with the Denver Nuggets instead of returning to Europe to join Panathinaikos. This move would have left the Nuggets without a backup center, potentially opening the door for the 76ers to trade Andre Drummond to Denver. With that possibility gone, the 76ers are still actively trying to trade Drummond, an effort that began before the draft when they attempted to use his expiring contract to free up cap space for Guerschon Yabusele. The team views Drummond as a declining player whose weaknesses were not compensated for by their personnel last season. Recent frontcourt reinforcements like Adem Bona and Johni Broome solidify the team's desire to move Drummond, believing those players could benefit from his minutes. Furthermore, the article argues Drummond could be more effective on a team like Denver, which has players suited to maximize his strengths as a rebounder and finisher, unlike the undersized 76ers. Finding a trade partner for Drummond has become significantly harder, as most teams have finalized their offseason moves. Consequently, the 76ers front office must now get more creative to complete a deal involving him.
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Dyson Daniels reveals why Trae Young is still essential to Hawks' vision
The Atlanta Hawks' pairing of Trae Young and Dyson Daniels is showing significant promise despite external skepticism about Young's fit with the team following two consecutive playoff misses. Daniels strongly opposes the idea that the Hawks don't need Young, crediting him for making his job easier during the 2024-25 season. Daniels explained that their games complement each other perfectly, with Young excelling offensively and Daniels focusing defensively. He believes this synergy contributed to his Most Improved Player award win and expressed confidence he could win it again next season, feeling revitalized after moving from New Orleans. Statistically, Young remained an offensive powerhouse (24.2 points, 11.2 assists, 2.9 threes per game), while Daniels emerged as a premier defender (14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals). Daniels' performance earned him the Most Improved Player award, All-Defensive First Team honors, and a runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year, marking one of the best debut seasons in Hawks history. His success served as an endorsement of Young as his backcourt partner. While Young needs to improve efficiency and reduce turnovers, the trio of Daniels, Young, and Jalen Johnson posted a net rating in the 73rd percentile when playing together. If the Hawks avoid major injuries in 2025-26, this core is seen as capable of contending in the weakened Eastern Conference. Continued development from players like Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher, plus contributions from new additions Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis, will be crucial. With a deep, balanced roster blending young talent and experienced veterans, Daniels and Young have the opportunity to build on their promising 2024-25 campaign.
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NBA releases groups for this season's NBA Cup
The NBA announced the groups for the upcoming NBA Cup tournament, which begins October 31st. Defending champion Milwaukee Bucks will play in East Group C against the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat during the group stage, which runs through November 28th. The tournament playoffs feature quarterfinals on December 9th and 10th, followed by semifinals in Las Vegas on December 13th. The championship game will also be held in Las Vegas on December 16th. Notably, the championship game does not count towards the regular season record or statistics for the participating teams. During the group stage, each team will play two home and two away games. Teams failing to reach the quarterfinals or semifinals will have two extra games added to their schedule against other non-qualifying teams to ensure they play a full 82-game season. Quarterfinal and semifinal games will count towards the regular season records of the teams involved. The league will release the full tournament schedules in August, alongside the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season schedule. The complete groups are: East Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards. East Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers. East Group C: Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets. West Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz. West Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans. West Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs.
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NBA Trade Idea Sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Western Conference Contender
Trade discussions surrounding Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, though quieter after the team acquired Myles Turner, could resurface if the Bucks receive an exceptional offer. Concerns remain about the Bucks' roster, particularly their guard play following Damian Lillard's departure. Bleacher Report's Dan Favale proposed a specific trade scenario sending Antetokounmpo to the San Antonio Spurs. The hypothetical package for the Bucks would include four players: 2025 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan. Additionally, the Bucks would receive multiple draft picks: a 2027 first-round pick (via Atlanta), a 2029 first-round pick, Sacramento's 2030 second-round pick, either Sacramento or San Antonio's 2031 first-round pick (whichever is more favorable), and Sacramento's 2031 second-round pick. Favale highlighted Harper as the centerpiece of the deal, emphasizing his potential as a future cornerstone for the Bucks, who lack control of their own first-round picks until 2031. While acknowledging the draft compensation might be less appealing due to Atlanta's strong offseason, Favale noted that receiving two additional first-round picks beyond the Hawks' pick, especially with Harper included, provides a strong foundation for trade negotiations.
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Dub Hub: Draymond Green rips new CBA for ‘putting an end’ to free agency
Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green voiced strong criticism regarding the state of NBA free agency under the league's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). He specifically blamed the introduction of the "second apron" (a hard salary cap) for effectively ending free agency as it previously existed. Green suggested this mechanism, imposing stricter financial penalties on high-spending teams, has drastically altered the market and limited opportunities for many players. Green expressed frustration watching players "overplay the market," attributing this to a widespread lack of understanding among players about the new CBA rules and the business operations of the league. He lamented the "unstaggering percentage of guys" unaware of the business they are part of, emphasizing the critical need for players to understand the off-court aspects of the NBA. His comments drew a response from ESPN salary cap expert Bobby Marks, who disagreed with Green's assertion that the apron rules ended free agency. Marks argued the reduction in free agency activity stemmed from nearly 50 potential free agents choosing guaranteed money via contract extensions before hitting the open market, facilitated by changes in extension rules within the new CBA. Despite his critique, Green acknowledged gratitude towards the NBA. He highlighted his unique perspective, citing his role as a player, close friendships with a former general manager and team owners (past and present), and early business introduction by Joe Dumars. Green humorously suggested he should have been the Players Association president, believing he could have significantly aided players in navigating these business changes, and hinted he might elaborate further on his podcast or in writing. The article also briefly noted Bradley Beal's situation, pointing out that after averaging 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season, finding a team willing to pay him his current $13.8 million salary on the open market might be difficult.
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B.League: Ray Parks pushes Osaka past Kai Sotto-less Koshigaya
The Koshigaya Alphas lost to the Osaka Evessa 77-70 in the Japan B.League. The Alphas struggled without Filipino import Kai Sotto, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Filipino player Ray Parks Jr. contributed 10 points and four rebounds for the winning Osaka Evessa (19-18), while Ryan Luther led them with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. The Nagasaki Velca suffered a heavy 96-65 defeat against the Nagoya Fighting Eagles. Despite a solid performance from Filipino AJ Edu, who recorded nine points, six rebounds, and three steals in just 15 minutes, Nagasaki's record fell to 16-21. Matthew Wright put up 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. However, his team lost 94-74 to the Brex, dropping Kawasaki's record to 12-25. Roosevelt Adams contributed nine points and five rebounds for the Yamagata Wyverns. Despite his efforts, the Wyverns lost 79-66 to the Aomori Wat's, bringing their record to 16-23.
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Thunder must make no-brainer free agent signing if latest rumor is true
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite expectations of an inactive offseason, might reconsider their approach due to developments regarding veteran free agent Al Horford. Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens stated that Horford's return to Boston is unlikely. With Jayson Tatum injured and other key players lost due to salary cap constraints, Boston may no longer be the ideal situation for Horford to chase another championship. Should Horford seek a title-contending team for the 2025-26 season, the Thunder are presented as a strong potential destination. While Oklahoma City currently lacks an open roster spot, they could easily create one by trading Ousmane Dieng (a player deemed inconsistent and expendable as the team moves beyond developmental minutes) along with a second-round pick in a salary dump move. Financially, this move would leave the Thunder $7,689,022 under the luxury tax and $15,739,022 under the first apron. Although they could theoretically offer Horford the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE) of $14.1 million, the team's priority is avoiding the luxury tax this season to delay the repeater tax. Therefore, a realistic offer would likely be a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. The analysis strongly advocates for the Thunder pursuing Horford if he agrees to such a contract. His skills are seen as a perfect fit to counter the increasing frontcourt size in the Western Conference. Horford brings valuable attributes: reliable three-point shooting (36.6% last season), smart passing, quality rim protection, defensive switchability, and the ability to play effectively alongside a traditional center like Chet Holmgren. Adding Horford would provide significant benefits: forming a versatile bench duo with Jaylin Williams, offering crucial insurance against injuries to big men Williams, Holmgren, or Isaiah Hartenstein, and bringing immense playoff experience (ranking him among the top 10 players in NBA history for playoff games played).
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Quines' career-high, Osis heroics lift Benilde-LSGH to Game 2 win vs. Perpetual
Guillian Quines delivered a career-high 35 points, along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and five steals, while Migz Osis contributed crucial baskets, including the final five points, to lead Benilde-La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) to a 95-91 victory over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball finals. This win forces a deciding Game 3 on Tuesday. Despite playing without the suspended Arle Podador, LSGH, fueled by Quines' 25 first-half points, built an early 11-point lead. However, Perpetual mounted a 24-12 run to take a slim 54-53 halftime advantage. Perpetual later extended their lead to 82-76 in the fourth quarter after a Jericho Cristino three-pointer. LSGH fought back, with Gian Gomez hitting a critical three-pointer assisted by Quines to give them a 90-87 lead with 32.8 seconds remaining. Perpetual responded quickly, scoring four points on Icee Callangan free throws and a Jan Roluna basket to retake the lead 91-90 with 24 seconds left. Osis then became the hero for LSGH, scoring a transition layup and sinking three subsequent free throws to seal the 95-91 victory. For Perpetual, Jan Roluna led the scoring with 25 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block, supported by JD Pagulayan (13 points) and Dan Rosales (11 points). Season MVP Lebron Jhames Daep was held to a season-low eight points but contributed 14 rebounds, six steals, two assists, and two blocks.
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Perpetual Help stretches winning streak to 5 with rout of Mapua
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PBA: Lassiter leads way for balanced Beermen in Game 2
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria praised swingman Marcio Lassiter following the team's 100-83 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The win evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. Lassiter stepped up significantly with 16 points, including four three-pointers, as star center June Mar Fajardo played limited minutes due to a calf injury. Fajardo finished with only two points and seven rebounds during his restricted court time. Austria highlighted Lassiter's championship experience and situational awareness, noting: "He knows what the situation is and he stepped up. That's why he's here right now." The coach emphasized that Lassiter's ten championships with San Miguel prepared him for crucial moments when the team needed leadership. Reflecting on the performance, Lassiter attributed the victory to improved team execution: "From Game 1, we noticed certain things we could do better. Tonight we had more assists – everyone shared the ball well." His scoring surge proved pivotal in compensating for Fajardo's reduced contribution.
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The rising stars who shone at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025
Several young basketball players showcased their talent at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025, generating excitement for the future, particularly looking ahead to 2027. Justina Jocyte (Lithuania), born November 19, 2005 (6ft 0in), won the Rising Star award. She was instrumental in leading Lithuania to the Quarter-Finals, averaging 16.7 EFF, 16.0 PPG, 5.2 APG, and 4.5 RPG. Her standout performance included 23 points in her final game, demonstrating maturity and leadership. As a huge fan favorite, anticipation for her is high with Lithuania co-hosting the 2027 Final Stage. Nyara Sabally (Germany), born May 28, 2004 (6ft 1in), seized her opportunity impressively for co-hosts Germany, especially with key players missing. She averaged 15.8 EFF, 15.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.5 APG, helping Germany finish 5th. Her consistent brilliance made her a strong contender for Rising Star, signaling future individual accolades. Iris Mbulito (Spain), born June 17, 2006 (6ft 4in), delivered spectacularly despite limited senior experience. Her physical presence, poise, power, and composure under pressure were key. She shone brightly in the Semi-Final against France, posting a phenomenal 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a 31 efficiency rating (averages: 10.5 EFF, 8.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.3 APG). Lea Möbus (France), born Jan 18, 2006 (5ft 9in), lived up to the hype surrounding her debut following a stellar EuroLeague Women season. She started strong, notably scoring 14 points in 14 minutes against Great Britain (averages: 7.7 EFF, 9.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 APG). After solid games against Germany and Sweden, her tournament was unfortunately cut short when illness hospitalized her, causing her to miss France's run to the Final, but her early performances confirmed her top talent.
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Abate Returns for Final Season with UE in UAAP Season 88
John Abate, the experienced UE Red Warriors guard, has confirmed he will use his final year of eligibility and return to play for UE in UAAP Season 88. Abate cited loyalty as the key reason, stating, "UE gave me an opportunity, and I’m going to stick by them because they’re loyal to me. I want to finish my career with them." He is currently in Florida but will return to Manila in February to resume practices. His main goals for the season are to "Win as much as I can" and "Do the best as I can for myself, my team, and the community." Abate's return occurs while the UE basketball program searches for a new head coach following Jack Santiago's departure. The university has begun interviewing candidates this week, including Chris Gavina, Ariel Vanguardia, Boyzie Zamar, and Josh Reyes. Rain or Shine assistant coach Mike Buendia has also applied, while Eric Altamirano withdrew due to other commitments. Multiple sources indicate Josh Reyes, with his experience coaching Gilas Youth and as an assistant at FEU, is viewed as the frontrunner for the position. A significant uncertainty for UE heading into Season 88 is the status of foreign student-athlete Precious Momowei, who was pivotal last season. Momowei is reportedly weighing his options amid the uncertainty surrounding UE's coaching direction. Abate's return is seen as a stabilizing force for team leadership during this period. When asked if he would try to convince Momowei to return, Abate expressed respect for his teammate's decision: "His decision is ultimately what’s best for him. I might text him here and there, but whatever is best for him. That’s my brother on and off the court." With Abate committed and the coaching search nearing its end, UE's offseason is shaping up as a defining period.
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Game Preview: Nelson Giants v Southland Sharks
The Nelson Giants (8-11, 9th) host the Southland Sharks (11-8, 4th) in a crucial matchup. The Giants need a win to maintain their slim playoff chances, while the Sharks, already guaranteed a home eliminator game, aim to improve their seeding and potentially claim the third spot. The game tips off on Thursday 7th July at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, with the Rapid League at 6pm and the Sal's NBL game at 7pm. It will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2, in the USA on ESPN3, and internationally on FIBA YouTube. In their last outing, the Giants defeated the Tuatara 104-85. Capitalizing on Rob Loe's early exit, Jeremy Combs (29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Callum McRae (11 points, 12 rebounds) dominated inside. Despite strong performances from Luther Muhammad (19 points, 9 assists) and Tom Vodanovich (23 points, 9 rebounds) for the Tuatara, the Giants controlled the game for their fourth consecutive win. The Sharks secured a vital 98-88 victory over the Whai. Sam Timmins (19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists) orchestrated the offence and Keylan Boone (29 points, 6 rebounds) helped build an early lead. Although Mojave King (43 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) led a Whai comeback for a halftime lead, the Sharks surged with an 11-2 run to start the third quarter, scoring 33 points in the period to regain control and hold off the Whai. Statistically, the teams are very similar in scoring, points allowed, and rebounding rates. Key differences are the Sharks leading the league in three-point shooting efficiency, while the Giants boast a superior turnover rate. Both rely on strong front lines. The desperate Giants require a win to stay alive. Their inside power comes from Jeremy Combs and Callum McRae. Wing scoring is provided by Andrew Jones and Liam Judd (effective off cuts and catch-and-shoot). Point guard Alex Robinson drives the offence with penetration. Although they attempt the fewest threes, staying competitive in made threes is crucial, and they have capable shooters. Alex McNaught and Sam Dempster are key bench contributors. The Sharks also build around a formidable front line: Sam Timmins and Josiah Allick control the glass and score inside, while Keylan Boone is a versatile scoring threat from the perimeter and at the rim. Caleb Asberry has developed into a premier playmaker, excelling at driving. Injuries to Johnny Helu and Alonzo Burton (affecting spacing) impact backcourt depth, with Brayden Inger being the main bench contributor capable of heating up from deep. A critical matchup is at point guard: Alex Robinson versus Caleb Asberry. Both are dynamic players crucial to their team's offensive efficiency, capable of setting up teammates or scoring themselves. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals could be decisive.
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Ja Morant is coming to Manila
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will visit Manila on August 2nd. This visit is part of his "Make Them Watch" tour, which is being conducted in partnership with lifestyle brand Nike. Morant stated, "Basketball is all about work and creativity — putting in that grind but also playing with your own style," expressing his perspective on the game. He shared his excitement about the tour, saying, "I’m excited to pull up and share a piece of my journey with the next generation of hoopers around the world, and I also want to check how basketball is played in their own communities. Getting to learn new cultures through hoops is a unique opportunity, and I’m hyped about that." Before arriving in Manila, Morant will tour the United States first and then make stops in Asia. His Asian itinerary includes visits to China and Tokyo, Japan later this month prior to his trip to the Philippines.
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Grizzlies Fan Favorite Has Opportunity to Join Boston Celtics
The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is approaching, providing rookies, second-year players, and others a chance to showcase their talents. Among the participants is former Memphis Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr., who will play for the Boston Celtics' Summer League team. Lofton Jr., undrafted in 2022, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies after the draft but was waived in late 2023. Since then, he has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls. Most recently, he played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he earned the league's International MVP award after averaging 25.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He is now back in the United States, joining prospects like Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh on the Celtics' Summer League roster in Las Vegas. This represents another opportunity for Lofton Jr. to earn his way back onto an NBA roster.
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Warriors rookies Toohey, Richard influenced by members of Golden State dynasty
The provided text does not contain substantive news content suitable for summarization. It consists primarily of website navigation elements (e.g., "Today's e-Edition", "Get Morning Report and other email newsletters") and a copyright notice. The fragment under "Trending:" mentions basketball players Will Richard and Alex Toohey referencing Golden State Warriors players (Steph Curry and an unnamed older player), but it is an incomplete snippet lacking context or details about any specific news event. It does not form a coherent news story. Therefore, as no actual news article content is present, a meaningful summary cannot be generated from the given text.
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NBA free agency 2025: Live updates, news, rumors as Deandre Ayton reportedly agrees to terms with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs reported extension with Thunder
The NBA free agency period opened with significant activity starting Monday night and continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday. Key moves included reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signing a four-year, $285 million supermax extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Myles Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year, $107 million deal. To accommodate Turner, the Bucks waived Damian Lillard using the stretch provision, removing $113 million from their books. Additional transactions saw Jonas Valanciunas traded to the Denver Nuggets from Sacramento for Dario Saric, Dennis Schröder signing with the Sacramento Kings, and Jakob Poeltl agreeing to an extension with the Toronto Raptors. On Wednesday, Deandre Ayton reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, including $34 million for the upcoming season partially funded by a buyout from Portland. When free agency officially opened Monday night, the NBA set the 2025-26 salary cap at $154.647 million, a 10% increase. Early signings included Jaren Jackson Jr.'s five-year, $240 million max extension with Memphis and Denver trading Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson. Other Monday agreements featured Dorian Finney-Smith ($53 million with Houston), Ty Jerome ($28 million with Memphis), and D’Angelo Russell ($13 million with Dallas). Pre-agency weekend trades involved Phoenix sending Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a draft pick, while Boston traded Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta. Several stars opted to stay with their teams: LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million option with the Lakers, James Harden signed a two-year, $81 million deal to remain in Los Angeles, and Julius Randle agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract with Minnesota.
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