Bingo Bola Treat For Fans Starts Easter Sunday At The Big Dome

(From PBA)

PBA fans, here’s a treat that you will surely enjoy.

Starting on Easter Sunday, April 4,  PBA fans who love to watch the games live will have an opportunity to win cash prizes as the pro league launches its latest promo – PBA Bingo Bola.

Joining is easy. Just buy a ticket to the games and redeem it for Bingo cards at the designated booths inside the venue.

Each ticket, regardless of section, entitles the holder to one Bingo card. Holders of complimentary tickets are disqualified from playing.

As much as P35,000 is at stake every game day at the Araneta Coliseum and Cuneta Astrodome.

“Our fans are very dear to us. That’s why we always think of ways to make them happy. I’m sure they will love and enjoy our latest treat,” said PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

A representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will supervise all draws to ensure an honest and clean contest.

K-Mart Out Till Playoffs?

Nets: Sources say the chances of landing top choice, Jeff Van Gundy, are improved with Rod Thorn staying on the job. Van Gundy hadn’t planned to return to coaching next season, but the Nets believe he’ll be willing to listen to a pitch. They want to talk to Villanova’s Jay Wright, too, but he’s turned down big offers from the 76ers and Kentucky in the past two years, and a close friend of his on Monday said, “It would surprise me if he talks [seriously] to them, unless maybe he needs the leverage at Villanova.” - Yahoo

Here’s a story that illustrates how this season has devolved at times: During an earlier loss in a Western Conference city, several sources say the Nets huddled up at halftime, discussed adjustments amongst themselves and bolted the locker room without waiting for Vandeweghe and former assistant Del Harris to address them. As Devin Harris said Monday, “It’s been an abomination of a season.” - Yahoo

Josh Childress can opt out of his contract with Olympiacos after this season but would be a restricted free agent with Atlanta. Or he can sign a qualifying offer from the Hawks for one year and become a free agent in 2011 or sign a longer deal with the Hawks if they offer one. Childress also can sign an offer sheet with another team, but Atlanta can match it. Or he can return to Greece for the final year of his contract. He has until July 15 to let Olympiacos know his decision. - USA Today

Along with wondering if coach George Karl will return for the playoffs, the slumping Denver Nuggets have one other pressing concern: Will Kenyon Martin take the court again this season? Even as he continues to strengthen his injured left knee with hopes of returning, Martin has also accepted he may have already played his final game. He described his chances of playing in any of the Nuggets’ remaining seven regular-season games as “dim.” - Yahoo

Eddy Curry will not play again for the Knicks this season and perhaps his career in New York is over as well for all we know. Curry realized he was done for the year as recently as Friday in Phoenix if not earlier and the veteran center revealed his injury and status to reporters early today in Salt Lake City. It was only after Curry provided a medical update that the team miraculously released a statement to announce that Curry “is not expected to return for the final 10 games of the season.” - NY Daily News Blog

The basketball Hall of Fame is close to announcing a major change to the election process and is working on a revolutionary alteration as chairman Jerry Colangelo pushes forward with his pledge to increase transparency and fan interest. For the first time, vote totals are expected to be released when the Class of 2010 is revealed next Monday in Indianapolis in conjunction with the Final Four. The class is expecetd to be headed by locks Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen. - NBA

No longer are the Nets worried about being history's worst team. They got their 10th win last night, defeating the banged-up Spurs, 90-84, to ensure the inglorious title of "Worst NBA Team Ever" will remain with the 1972-73 Sixers, who were 9-73. "It's a big relief," said Devin Harris (17 points, nine assists and zero turnovers in 38 minutes). "Nobody wants to be the worst team in history, so it is exciting to get 10 wins. But then again, it is 10 wins." - NY Post

Michael Jordan, uber-owner, next to the bench has some value. If the best player ever is per chance your boss, and is in your ear frequently, you'll likely be more alert and motivated. However, how long before Jordan gets a technical foul for baiting the refs? I hear Toronto's Antoine Wright was talking smack, telling referees to pay no attention to Jordan since he doesn't play anymore. I'd say the same thing if I were Wright, but lemme tell ya: Consciously or sub-consciously, Jordan still has juice with an NBA ref. - Charlotte Observer Blog

Chauncey Billups proclaimed this as the opportune moment for his team to take a hard look in the mirror, but perhaps no one has already beat themselves up more than he has. The veteran Nuggets guard insisted he will become a more prominent voice in the locker room, the film room and the huddle as the team searches for some sort of chemistry in order to survive a rugged seven-game stretch run, five of which are against teams currently in a playoff spot. - Denver Post Blog

Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton will return to full-contact practice when the team returns to Los Angeles on Thursday after their five-game road trip, and he could return to the lineup as early as Friday when the Lakers play the Utah Jazz at home. "Walton I think will start practicing next week," coach Phil Jackson told reporters before the Lakers' game at New Orleans on Monday. "He may even get on the court Thursday when we get back and get in a practice before the Utah game." - ESPN

Imagine how scary it is for NBA players to think about facing Kevin Durant in the years to come. Worse, imagine how someone like the Portland Trail Blazers feel, knowing they lost out on drafting him when they took the injury-prone Greg Oden instead, much in the same way they lost out on Jordan by drafting Sam Bowie back in 1984. "All I know is we're ecstatic to have [Durant]," said Brooks, unquestionably a top candidate for league coach-of-the-year honors, along with Milwaukee's Scott Skiles. "He leads us in rebounds [7.5 per game] and steals [1.3]. We needed to get better defensively, so we asked him to and he did that, too. There's nothing this kid won't do. He's a flat-out winner. He's made us relevant this year." Actually, he's done more. Durant has negated Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony as league MVP candidates in the process. - Philadelphia Inquirer

If Larry Ellison purchases the Golden State Warriors and hires Hall of Famer Jerry West to run the franchise, another person to consider rejoining the organization is Andy Dolich, who is serving as a consultant for the San Francisco 49ers after Jed York removed him as COO. Dolich was the president of business operations for the Grizzlies during the time that West was Heisley's president. Dolich has long ties to the Bay Area, including 15 years with the Oakland A's when they won their World Series title and one year with the Warriors. - SI

Miami Heat forward Dorell Wright is the third NBA player in recent months to have an explicit picture of himself surface on the Internet. A picture of Wright, taken during a private video chat session a year ago, has surfaced on several websites as well as various Twitter accounts. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

NBA Daily Results

vs(From the Associated Press) - After being contained in the first half, Danny Granger had a strong second half to keep the Indiana Pacers on a roll at home. Granger scored 25 of his 33 points in the second half, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 102-95 victory over the Kings on Tuesday night for their eighth straight home win. The Pacers’ swingman went 10 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range, in the second half...Troy Murphy added 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Roy Hibbert and Earl Watson each scored 10 for the Pacers, who overcame a 15-point deficit in the first half to improve to 28-47. They had their five-game winning streak snapped at Atlanta on Sunday. “We continue a very nice run at home,” Indiana coach Jim O’Brien said. “It’s nice to establish a home-court advantage. The guys are enjoying winning, obviously.” Jason Thompson and Beno Udrih each had 18 points, and Carl Landry finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Sacramento (24-51), which has lost five straight. Rookie of the Year candidate Tyreke Evans, who missed the previous five games due to a concussion, had 17 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and four steals. “We didn’t come out with the same energy we had in the first half,” Evans said. “They were the home team and took advantage of it.”

vs(From the Associated Press) - For three quarters, Kevin Durant put on quite a show for about 50 friends and family members who made the short trip up I-95 from his hometown of Washington, D.C. There was no need to play for most of the fourth while his teammates were adding to a big lead. Durant had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Jeff Green added 16 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 111-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. “It’s big to see fans with the Oklahoma City jerseys on,” Durant said. “I don’t care if it’s my jersey. I care about Oklahoma City jerseys. I know a lot of the jerseys were for me because I had a lot of family here. It was extra special to get a win here.” Nenad Krstic added 14 points and Russell Westbrook had 10 points and 14 assists for the Thunder (45-28), who swept the season series from Philadelphia for the first time since 1998-99...James Harden had 12 points and Serge Ibaka 10 for Oklahoma City, which is nearing its first playoff appearance since 2004-05 as the Seattle SuperSonics. Elton Brand scored 22 points, Andre Iguodala added 21 and Jrue Holiday had 11 for the Sixers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. “We were close for a while, and then the beginning of the fourth quarter, they kind of exploded on us,” Brand said. Philadelphia still has not won at least three in a row since a five-game streak between Jan. 31-Feb. 9. “I think we missed some easy shots,” Holiday said. “They got in transition and got some momentum in the fourth and we didn’t recover.” Marreese Speights and Rodney Carney added 10 points each.

vs(From the Associated Press) - Steve Nash was at his darting best in the final two minutes, paving the way for the Phoenix Suns’ eight straight victory on a night they clinched a playoff spot. In a 111-105 victory over Chicago, Nash had the Bulls guessing: will he shoot, drive, dump it inside or kick it back out? And with Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich sidelined in the second half with a sprained ankle, Nash had room to work. In a frantic final stretch, Nash drove to the lane and turned around for a jumper. Seconds later, he maneuvered his way back to the basket and used his familiar scoop shot to score and start a three-point play. He found Channing Frye for a clutch tiebreaking 3-pointer with 41.6 seconds left, passed to Grant Hill for a dunk and then hit two free throws to finish off his 22-point, 10-assist night...Jason Richardson led the Suns with 27 points and Amare Stoudemire had 21 points—13 in the first quarter—and 11 rebounds. The Suns are currently in fourth in the West...Flip Murray and Derrick Rose, who kept Chicago close down the stretch with 10 points in the final period, had 23 points each. The Bulls are 1 1/2 games behind Toronto for the eighth playoff spot in East. “They hit big shots and made big plays and there was nothing we could do about it,” Rose said. “We’re still trying to make a push for the playoffs.”

Yeng Won’t Take Leave During Campaign

(From Manila Standard Today)

YENG Guiao is not taking a leave as coach of Air21.

The fiery mentor squelched speculations that he will file for a temporary leave of absence as head mentor of the Express at the height of the nationwide election campaign period.

Guiao is running as vice governor of Pampanga.

“I must admit, we’re really busy at this time,” Guiao told Standard Today. “But we’ve prepared for this and I’m sure nakagawa na kami ng kani-kaniyang adjustments. Malaking sakripisyo talaga ang kailangang gawin, pero I will be there sa games and practices ng Air21 and won’t take a leave of absence.”

Rumors that Guiao would take a leave of absence swirled around as early as last year when he handled the Powerade-Pilipinas men’s basketball team in the FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship in Tianjin, China.

Air21 team manager and Philippine Basketball Association chairman Lito Alvarez said that Guiao didn’t even bring the possibility of taking a leave of absence.

“I don’t think kailangan siyang mag-leave, dahil malakas na naman siya sa Pampanga as vice governor,” said Alvarez. “Tingin ko, malaki talaga ang chance niya na manalo ulit even without taking a leave of absence. Naka-programa na ‘yung schedule ni coach Yeng.”

Guiao, whose Air21 team just notched its first win by defeating Barako Coffee, 113-108, Sunday night, also said that the Express are taking their time to include an additional personnel in their coaching staff.

“We have to play it by ear as far as tapping an assistant coach,” said Guiao, who has long-time assistant Rhoel Nadurata as his lone deputy in the squad. “But I can recommend. It’s up to the management if they will approve it.”

Meanwhile, Gary David was named first Accel Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps’ Player of the Week for the ongoing Fiesta Conference.

Asi Taulava and Chico Lanete took turns shining in the Tigers’ two wins in as many outings, but it was the steady plays of the man known for his dynamic qualities that fueled the team’s surge to the early lead in the import-flavored tournament.

Arenas Will Stay in DC?

Durant said he will try to sell Oklahoma City to interested players looking to join one of the league’s improving teams. “I tell them it’s nice,’’ he said. “It depends on what kind of person it is, of course. Some guys like the big-city life and some guys like the small, rural area, too. It’s all about the person. “I just tell them it’s a great place to play. We like each other. We like being here. We have a close-knit group and hopefully that attracts them, and if it doesn’t, we continue to work with what we have and we have faith in what we have here.’’ - Boston Globe

A person with knowledge of the Wizards' thinking said on Friday that the Pollin family was not interested in pursuing the complicated task of contract termination, which has never been successfully carried out in the NBA. Grunfeld went a step further Saturday, making the case for welcoming back the three-time all-star into the fold. "I think people sometimes tend to forget that he's still one of the best players in this league. He averaged 23 points and seven assists when he was with us," Grunfeld said. "He's a dynamic player and he was just coming back off injury. So we plan to have him back and we plan to have him in uniform this year." - Washington Post

I had an interesting conversation with Carmelo Anthony regarding which team LeBron James will play for next season. Me: "If you're LeBron, do you go to New York for the money and the fame?" Melo: "He's already got that. He's already got the money and the fame. I think the only thing weighing in right now is the championship." Me: "You know him better than a lot of people (and share the same agent and shoe company) — is the championship the deciding factor for him?" Melo: "If he feels that he can win a championship in Cleveland, then he will stay. The team in Cleveland is that much better than the team in New York." Me: "Has he already made a decision?" Melo: "No. Not at all, not at all, not even close." - Denver Post

As a Knicks fan, Marbury said he would love to see the team land LeBron James, but he can't envision the All Star leaving the powerhouse Cavaliers for New York this summer. "Why would LeBron leave a situation where he has an opportunity to win a championship every year, to going to a place that's rebuilding?" Marbury said. "How does that work?. How do you try to get to people to believe that? I don't understand it. As a Knick fan, that would be great. But playing in the NBA, it doesn't make sense." - New York Post

He's not playing the kind of defense a team of this caliber deserves, a free agent at the end of the season and maybe on his way out if the Lakers look to upgrade. "I would say, 'concerned,' '' Fisher says about his chances of returning to the Lakers next season. "I know this business -- concern from that point, yes. "Concern because I can't play basketball or do certain things anymore, no. I still think I have a lot of basketball left in me.'' - Los Angeles Times

While Camby is embracing his opportunity with the Blazers, he will be a free agent this summer. There have been rumblings by some in the Clippers organization that the team might pursue him again this offseason. "I've been hearing a lot of teams saying they're interested in me, but I kind of think it's unfair for me to comment with me being here in Portland and actually liking the situation that I'm in," said Camby. "I really know why I'm here. I know that they have a lot of injuries to their big men with Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden. They expressed to me they don't just want me to be a rent-a-player but also for a long-term experience. When the year is over I'm going to sit down and weigh my options and see what's best for my family." - HoopsWorld

After the Knicks' 109-104 win over Denver at the Garden on Tuesday, Rodriguez had dinner with Alberto Herreros, Real Madrid's deputy director. Rodriguez said he is friends with Herreros and the dinner was mostly friendly. "We have good relationship, he came just to visit me and see how I was," Rodriguez said. "They haven't talked to my agent. It was friendly." - New York Post

Even though the Rockets are preparing to be home during the postseason, Ariza said he has no regrets about leaving Los Angeles. "We're a team that has a lot of injuries," Ariza said. "We're fighting. "Like I've said before, it was out of my hands how things went down [with the Lakers]. With that being said, I'm very happy here with the Rockets." - Los Angeles Times

There still are a handful of games remaining in the current NBA season. But Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva is fired up about taking the court in 2010-11. Villanueva feels like he has a lot to prove to his teammates as well as Pistons fans. And he looks forward to doing it. “I can’t wait,” Villanueva said. “I feel like in a certain way that I let this organization down by being hurt and not being able to perform the way I want to. But next year, I think it will be a whole different story.” - Booth Newspapers

Marbury, 33, says the experience in China allowed him to enjoy basketball in its purest form. "The thing I loved most was its humbling experience," Marbury said. "I got an opportunity to see something totally different, an opportunity to see how people on the other side felt about the game I love. They have passion. They love basketball over there. You would never know that until you experience it. "I got to see the true joy in playing. Playing in New York, I love the passion but going through every year where everything's so concentrated off the court, it becomes draining. You lose the focus of what you really are doing and that's playing basketball. This was just about getting better. That was the most gratifying." - New York Post

The Suns are sizzling once again, becoming a major story in the NBA. They have matched last season's win total (46), and their collective will far exceeds their individual talents. The close-knit nature of this team can't be understated, nor fully explained. "We have a really good group," point guard Steve Nash said. - Arizona Republic

"I'll tell you what's interesting," Hill said. "After we beat Golden State, we were flying back home, and someone said we had 11 games left. We couldn't believe how the season has just flown by. "I've been on teams that have won more games. I've been on teams that have lost more games. But I've never seen a season go by so fast. We thoroughly enjoying being around each other, and we realize that, pretty soon, the off-season will be here and we won't be able to hang out. The environment is really unique, and I think it carries over onto the court." - Arizona Republic

Evans told the Sacramento Bee that it's been difficult to avoid keeping track of his main competitor for the award. "People call me and text me to tell me how Steph is doing," Evans said. "Steph is a good player. He's been playing good. They've got a good offense. They run and gun and he gets a lot of shots up." - Memphis Commercial Appeal

Because Anthony might face too much ground to make up over the final weeks of the regular season, Wade believes James and Durant will shoot it out for the title. ``You got two guys that can score in many different ways,'' Wade said. ``With LeBron extending his range every year, he's a legitimate threat out there [from three-point range]. Of course, Kevin is a threat out there.'' - Miami Herald

Roddy Beaubois played the game of his season and one of the best by a rookie in Mavericks' history, and the Mavericks pummeled the Warriors in the first half, then kicked their feet up and cruised to a 111-90 victory at Oracle Arena. To put it bluntly, Beaubois was blazing hot. Or, as he would say, c'est le feu. "Sometimes, you just shoot and feel like you can't miss," Beaubois said. "It was my best game ever, for sure." Beaubois finished with 40 points. His previous high this season was 24. He was 9-of-11 from 3-point range. J.R. Smith has the NBA season high with 10 3-pointers in a game (on 17 attempts). - Dallas Morning News

The Thunder are a bunch of young 20-somethings with talent and chemistry. Durant is the standout. Green is the dirty-work forward. Westbrook is the facilitator. Harden is the rookie relief off the bench. Nine of the team’s 15 players are 25 or younger and that fosters closeness, with Durant as the central figure. “I was over James’s house after the game, just chilling, talking until 2 or 3 in the morning with him and his family,’’ Durant said. “We’re all family. We all love each other. “Every time we break from a huddle, we say ‘family’ or ‘togetherness.’ That’s how we really feel. “We always had faith in what we could do here. We never joked around during practice. We took it serious like we were going to make the playoffs. And that’s what led to our success this season.’’ - Boston Globe

Rain Or Shine Turns Back SLR

Team	W	L	PCT
Coca-Cola	2	0	1.000
Rain or Shine	1	1	0.500
San Miguel	1	1	0.500
Ginebra	1	1	0.500
Air21	1	1	0.500
Talk N Text	1	1	0.500
Barako Energy Coffee	1	2	0.333
Sta. Lucia	1	2	0.333
Derby Ace	0	0	0.000
Alaska	0	0	0.000

(From PBA)

ANTIPOLO -- There was no stopping Rain or Shine in its second outing after being beaten at the finish in its debut two nights earlier.

The Elasto Painters bucked early fouls to key players, pulling off an 84-77 win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Sports Center here Sunday.

Jai Lewis and Sol Mercado delivered the goods as they returned to the floor in the closing minutes, and the Elasto Painters checked a breakdown, notching a first win after bowing to the Talk n Text Tropang Texters Wednesday.

“Today’s game showed our character as a team. We pulled through despite our key players sitting down precious minutes due to fouls,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

“We faced scary moments when they started to hit their outside shots, but the boys never lost composure. We did a good job controlling the boards at endgame,” Garcia added.

Lewis grabbed rebounds and knocked in free throws while Mercado converted a tough drive and a three-pointer as they personally held off Sta. Lucia’s siege at endgame.

The Realtors failed to complete a comeback from the depth of a 20-point deficit, suffering a second loss in three starts.

Anthony Johnson and his teammates waged a spirited chase in the final half while Lewis, Norwood and JayR Reyes rode the bench in foul-trouble situation.

Jason Urbiztondo and Paolo Mendoza hit from afar, helping Johnson get the Realtors to within one, 69-70, after trailing by 20 at 26-46.

The Realtors engaged the Painters in a battle at crunch time before losing just the same as Bonbon Custodio committed an error then Mendoza misfired a trey in the final minute.

Mercado settled the outcome of the game on a jumper making it 82-77 with time down to 21 seconds.

The burly Fil-foreign guard finished with 19 points, three steals and two assists.

Norwood made back-to-back three-point plays to close their utter domination of the Realtors in the first half at 44-26.

The Elasto Painters pummeled the Realtors from the start, erecting double-digit spreads right in the first quarter.

Norwood and Mercado both started strong, combining for 23 points in the first 24 minutes of play.

For the Realtors, nothing worked in the first half with the team struggling for only 10 in the first period and 16 in the next. (SB)

The scores:

Rain or Shine 84 - Norwood 19, Mercado 19, Lewis 17, Arana 9, Laure 8, Cruz 4, Dulay 3, Reyes 3, Chan 2, Ibanes 0, Hrabak 0, Telan 0.

Sta. Lucia 77 - Johnson 29, Reyes 12, Urbiztondo 11, Mendoza 8, Williams 7, Custodio 6, Espinas 2, Omolon 2, Misolas 0, Aquino 0, Belano 0.

Quarterscores: 21-10, 44-26, 62-54, 84-77

Rookie Ronnie Maties-Led Reserves Lead Air21 Past Barako Coffee

(From PBA)

ANTIPOLO CITY. – Freshman Ronnie Matias scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as Air21 held off Barako Energy Coffee, 113-108, Sunday behind a sterling effort by its reserves at the Ynares Center.

Air21’s bench accounted for 64 of the team’s total points even as Ronjay Buenafe delivered the killer blow – a three-pointer from right corner with 4:09 remaining.

The shot the snapped the momentum of the Coffee Masters, who had pulled within 98-99 on a trey by Rob Wainwright, 23 seconds earlier.

“That was what we lacked on this team last conference,” said Guiao referring to his reserves. “But I guess we’re slowly showing improvement with our new recruits.”

Air21 import Keena Young had another double-double effort with 25 points and 16 rebounds, as the Express bounced back from Wednesday’s debut in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference against San Miguel Beer.

The Express, which finished ninth in the Philippine Cup, controlled the tempo for most part of the game but briefly lost its rhythm early in the fourth as they defended with the zone.

“Barako gave us a tough game. As much as I don’t want to play zone, I felt we have to stop their import,” said Guiao.

Barako’s import Sam Monroe scored 21 of his 36 points in the second half but couldn’t do anything to prevent the Coffee Masters from picking up their second straight loss in three games. 

During the post game interview, Guiao readily acknowledge the efforts of Matias and Mike Cortez – two players whom he said will be key in the Express’ campaign this conference.

“Ronnie is getting into his own. He is becoming a steady presence in the fourth quarter and that’s good news for us,” Guiao said.

“As for Mike, he provides us with veteran presence at the backcourt, something that we missed when we lost Wynne (Arboleda).” 

Barako Coffee’s reserves also had big games. Wainwright scored 16 points, Yousif Aljamal added 13 and Aris Dimaunahan had 12. But the Coffee Masters’ poor shooting and erratic finish cost them the game.

The Coffee Masters shot just 43 percent and went 9 of 26 in the fourth. They also shot poorly from the line going 19 for 32. (DBC)

The scores:

Air21 113 - Young 25, Matias 18, Cortez 15, Buenafe 13, Ritualo 13, Billones 9, Sharma 6, Kramer 4, Gonzales 3, Williams 2, Belga 2, Alvarez 2, Yee 1.

Barako Coffee 108 - Monroe 36, Wainwright 16, Aljamal 13, Dimaunahan 12, Duncil 10, Gaco 9, Najorda 8, Menor 2, Hubalde 2, Faundo 0, Vergara 0.

Quarterscores: 30-28, 55-52, 84-79, 113-108.

Coca-Cola Tigers Scratch and Claw To Early Solo Lead

(From PBA)

GINGOOG CITY -- With a gutsy stand and breaks going their way, the Coca-Cola Tigers repulsed the San Miguel Beermen, 108-98, Saturday for early solo leadership in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Coca-Cola beat out San Miguel in a duel of spurts with the Beermen nearly running out of big men in their road game at the Arturo S. Lugod Gym here.

Dorian Pena went to the showers ahead of everybody on a flagrant foul on Dennis Espino right in the first quarter, Gabe Freeman cramped out with 5:13 left to play while Jay Washington, Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Ildefonso fouled out in the homestretch.

The Tigers simply took advantage of the situation as they went on to chalk up their first 2-0 start in a tournament in the last two seasons. The team had a woeful 0-3 start in the last Philippine Cup where they finished seventh.

Coming off a 23-point drubbing of Barako Energy Coffee Wednesday, Coca-Cola actually struggled at the start but showed patience as they slowly got into the game and eventually beat San Miguel.

Unable to sustain the momentum of their triumphant debut versus the Air21 Express also last Wednesday, the Beermen moved down to joint second place with the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the Barangay Ginebra Kings, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the Barako Energy Coffee Masters with identical 1-1 win-loss records.

Chico Lanete came off the bench to preside over Coca-Cola’s swashbuckling finish. The former Lyceum Pirate wound up with 15 points and four steals, the bulk of which he made in the fourth quarter.

The Beermen, the reigning Fiesta champions, started strong but scrambled at the finish on the early ouster of Freeman, Pena, Washington, Hontiveros and Ildefonso.

With no import rival to contend with, James Penny imposed his will at the finish, winding up with a game-high 33 markers.

Gary David added 19 points while Dennis Espino contributed 12.

Lanete, however, was the sparkplug of the Tiger’s telling fourth-quarter run. The hard-nosed guard highlighted his exploits with two important three-pointers with the last making it 93-86 with time down to 3:37.

With Freeman already on the bench, the Tigers unleashed a 14-4 run to race ahead, 88-85, entering the last five minutes of the game.

Freeman had made 18 before he was helped to the bench. Arwind Santos also tossed in 18 with Ildefonso chipping in 17 coming off the bench.

San Miguel started with a 10-0 run but Coca-Cola quickly responded, taking the first period at 32-26.

The two teams exchanged runs until the Tigers seized control for good midway through the final period. (SB)

The scores:

Coca-Cola 108 -- Penny 33, David 19, Lanete 15, Espino 12, Taulava 9, Rizada 9, Macapagal 9, Cruz 2, Ross 0, Gonzales 0, Allera 0, Rodriguez 0, Bono 0.

San Miguel Beer 98 -- Freeman 18, Santos, 18, Ildefonso 17, Hontiveros 12, Cabagnot 8, Yeo 8, Washington 6, Villanueva 6, Pennisi 3, Seigle 2, Miranda 0, Holper 0, Pena 0.

Quarterscores: 32-26, 51-57, 72-77, 108-98.

Halfway House for Arenas, Nocioni Wants Out

Suspended Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas was ordered Friday to spend 30 days in a halfway house for his conviction on gun charges stemming from a locker-room confrontation with a teammate. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin also sentenced Arenas to 400 hours of community service, which cannot be conducted at basketball clinics, and a $5,000 fine. Arenas apologized in court, saying, "Every day, I wake up wishing it did not happen." - ESPN

The Wizards were mostly relieved to hear that Gilbert Arenas avoided jail time, but that didn't mean that the drama ceased for the team. The franchise that has dealt with major injuries over the years but the Wizards had an unexpected casualty on Friday - head athletic trainer Eric Waters, who came down with appendicitis and had to be rushed to hospital. "We've always got something going down with our team. It's just one thing after another," Coach Flip Saunders said. - Washington Post

And when news came down Friday that Arenas would be spared jail time for his gun-possession charge, Stevenson was nearly as relieved as Arenas. "Obviously, he did something wrong and he's paying the price being suspended all year,'' Stevenson said after Friday's practice. "And for him to get 30 days in a halfway house is awesome. I hope he can take this experience and understand that as a professional you have a target on your back and I'm just happy because they were trying to take everything away from him that he worked so hard for.'' - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Phil Jackson hopes to return next season as Lakers coach and does not anticipate that his return will be sidetracked by health issues or negotiations on a new lucrative contract, he told NBA.com Friday. Jackson stopped short of saying an extension to remain in Los Angeles is a certainty, wanting to keep open his options until he talks with doctors after the season. And he conceded there is a lure to retiring. But the most-decorated coach in NBA history, with a record 10 championships, is clearly feeling better than a year ago and has been in good spirits all season. - NBA

Suns owner Robert Sarver sat nearby, and it wasn’t a stretch to wonder whether the vicious dunk also contained a message for Stoudemire’s employer. As Stoudemire later told Yahoo! Sports, “I’m getting more expensive by the game.” - Yahoo! Sports

Miami Heat training-camp prospect Alade Aminu, a power forward who went undrafted out of Georgia Tech last June, said he will sign a 10-day contract with the Heat. Aminu has been playing for the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam of the NBA Development League. Aminu was released by the Heat after its second exhibition game, appearing in neither contest. He could have a longer-term future with the Heat should the Heat lose incumbent power forward Udonis Haslem in free agency this summer. - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

While Rolling Stone recently declared Kevin Durant better than Kobe Bryant, Warriors guard Monta Ellis has his own opinion on who should be ranked as the NBA’s three best players. “I’m going to say LeBron James(notes) [third],” Ellis said recently. “He can do it all, pass, score, defend, block shots. No. 2, I would have to say, me. I can do a whole lot of things: defend, score, make passes, do whatever I need to do. “No. 1, I’d say Kobe Bryant. There isn’t one player that can stop Kobe one-on-one. He has a lot of stuff. He can defend. And of course, he won four championships.” - Yahoo! Sports

Granger can recall so many times when he might have been done in for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. "When I was 12 or 13, I was with one of my friends at the corner store," said Granger, who grew up in Metairie outside New Orleans. "I didn't know it at the time, but he was going on a drug deal. And I showed up with him. After awhile, I kind of knew what was going on but I was like, OK, whatever. So one of the older ladies in the neighborhood saw us, and she told my daddy. Oh, I caught hell for that one." - SI

"I wish I get moved," Nocioni told ESPNdeportes.com. "I believe they have proved that I'm not part of this group. So I don't have any problem. I just accept it. I think that not being part of a group or not being in coach's plans is not so bad." ESPN

Based on what he has seen so far, Cavaliers Coach Mike Brown said O'Neal is capable of playing a few more seasons. However, the Cavaliers have not expressed interest yet beyond this season. "My thinking is that he could play a couple of years with the intelligence he has and knowing how to take care of his body, '' Brown said. Apparently on a strict diet, O'Neal looks to be in shape, though his listed weight is 325 pounds. "At his age, you have to feel that you have only two or three seasons left, '' said former Cleveland guard Austin Carr, now a color analyst on Cavaliers' telecasts. "At 38, it's just a natural thing. I know he wants his fifth ring.'' - New Orleans Times-Picayune

Rudoy called reports that Spanish power Real Madrid was prepared to offer Ginobili 10 million euros -- or roughly $13.5 million -- to play next season "flattering," but reiterated that Ginobili has no desire to play overseas. "I expect we are going to hear from two or three of the biggest European teams," Rudoy told the Express-News on Thursday, "but we are not interested, in the near term, in negotiating with them. Manu's intent is to stay in the NBA." - San Antonio Express-News

Stackhouse, 35, joined the Milwaukee Bucks midway through the season after receiving no offers previously for a guaranteed contract. Stackhouse is averaging 8.1 points for a team that is 23-8 since he first suited up Jan. 20. It's gone so well Stackhouse is thinking he'd like to continue with this job of being a temporary NBA player. - FanHouse

Portland Trail Blazers forward Juwan Howard said Wednesday he will not retire after this season. The 16-year NBA veteran was adamant that he will log a 17th season in the league, and added that his body feels fine. - Columbian

Sta. Lucia Rebounds With Big Win Over Ginebra

Team	W	L	PCT
Coca-Cola	1	0	1.000
San Miguel	1	0	1.000
Ginebra	1	1	0.500
Sta. Lucia	1	1	0.500
Barako Energy Coffee	1	1	0.500
Talk N Text	1	1	0.500
Derby Ace	0	0	0.000
Alaska	0	0	0.000
Air21	0	1	0.000
Rain or Shine	0	1	0.000

(From PBA)

Getting an elbow from Ronald Tubid, Anthony Johnson retaliated at the whole Barangay Ginebra team, sparking a key run that carried Sta. Lucia Realty to an emphatic win.

Johnson pumped in back-to-back three-pointers right after being felled by Tubid and the Realtors broke away en route to an 86-72 victory over the Kings Friday in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Realtors nailed their first win after being beaten by the Barako Energy Coffee Masters in the tournament opener Sunday.

“We came out with great energy tonight, determined to make up for our bad showing in our first game,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“I’m happy the boys started strong and finished even stronger. Magandang character ang ipinakita nila,” Fernandez added.

Johnson logged 22 points and 13 rebounds while Kelly Williams added 13 points, six rebounds and four assists as they led the SLR charge in foiling Ginebra’s bid for early leadership in the reinforced tourney.

For Ginebra, it didn’t help that import Awvee Storey was far less productive than his debut game.

Storey was able to finish in double figures only after making six points in the last two minutes of play. He made only 13 points but grabbed 22 rebounds.

Williams did a good job defending the Ginebra import.

“He’s strong. I just kept a body on him and did my best to keep him off the glass,” said Williams.

The 2008 MVP winner also had sterling efforts offensively, putting in his share in a 19-7 run SLR unleashed to get an 80-61 spread entering the last three minutes of play.

The Realtors actually seized the early initiatives, taking the half at 44-39 and sitting on a 61-54 cushion after the first three quarters of play.

Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon were two other Realtors who finished in double figures with 14 and 12, respectively.

With the Realtors putting the game beyond reach early, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico used the opportunity to break in new recruit John Ferriols and newly reactivated Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)

The scores:

Sta. Lucia 86 - Johnson 22, Reyes 14, Williams 13, Omolon 12, Urbiztondo 9, Mendoza 8,Custodio 4, Espinas 2, Aquino 2, Daa 0, Misolas 0.

Ginebra 72 - Storey 13, Helterbrand 12, Baguio 9, Caguioa 8, Intal 7, Tubid 6, Menk 6, De Ocampo 4, Cruz 3, Wilson 2, Villanueva 2, Ferriols 0, Valenzuela 0.

Quarterscores: 25-20, 44-39, 61-54, 86-72

Ranidel-Led Talk ‘N Text Outduels Rain Or Shine

(From PBA)

Ranidel de Ocampo stayed on the floor this time and proved of big help as Talk ‘N Text broke into the win-column in the 2010 Fiesta Conference.

De Ocampo, committing costly flagrant fouls in his last two games that kept on the bench, made up for those infractions, leading the Tropang Texters to a 99-96 decision over Rain or Shine at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.

“We talked to Ranidel. We told him kami lang ang dapat maglabas sa kanya sa court, hindi ang referees,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.

"The last time when he sat for three minutes (versus Barangay Ginebra on Fiesta Conference opening day), we gave away a 12-0 run. When he came back, we're already down by three. We kept reminding him about it," Reyes added.

In his last game in the Philippine Cup, De Ocampo committed a flagrant foul on Ronald Tubid, an incident triggering Talk ‘N Text's infamous walkout in Game Four of their quarterfinals series with Barangay Ginebra.

Shawn Daniels concentrated on defending Jai Lewis and the Talk ‘N Text locals did the scoring as they held off the Elasto Painters.

De Ocampo paced the team with 20 points with 16 coming in the final half.

“Gusto ko talagang bumawi para naman makatulong sa team,” said De Ocampo on his sterling efforts enabling the Tropang Texters to rebound from a sorry loss to the Kings Sunday.

Alapag added 19 points, Castro chipped in 15 while Cardona contributed 14.

The Elasto Painters had a chance to force overtime but Gabe Norwood missed a three-point shot in the closing seconds.

"I'm disappointed. It's nice to win but we have to be able to close out the game when we have the chance. We're just lucky Gabe missed that shot," rued Reyes.

"It's very disappointing. They (the Elasto Painters) kept on finding ways to get back. We just couldn't close out the game," Reyes insisted.

The Tropang Texters appeared to have won the contest with a 97-90 lead in the last two minutes when the Painters waged a last-ditch attempt to salvage the game.

Jai Lewis, who finished with a 17 points and 20 rebounds, scored a charity, JayR Reyes, who added a season-high 23 points and 14 boards, converted a twinner then Norwood banged away a three-pointer as Rain or Shine got back into fight at 96-98 with 6.8 ticks to go.

A split from the stripe by Castro a second later kept the possibility of overtime for Rain or Shine.

In the end, Talk ‘N Text leaned on a good defensive effort to scuttle Rain or Shine's bid. (SB)

The scores:

First Game

Talk ‘N Text 99 -- De Ocampo R. 20, Alapag 19, Castro 15, Cardona 14, Daniels 13, Yee 8, Peek 6, Aban 2, Carey 2, Dillinger 0.

Rain or Shine 96 -- Reyes 23, Lewis 17, Norwood 16, Mercado 13, Arana 11, Dulay 11, Chan 3, Laure 2, Cruz 0, Ibanes 0, Hrabak 0, Telan 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26, 49-46, 75-68, 99-96

O'neal To Play Sooner?

Saunders told Blatche he wouldn’t return to the game until he listened to the assistant coaches correct his mistakes. Sam Cassell and Gene Banks tried, but Blatche bristled. Yes, the coach should’ve suspended Blatche, sent him home and played the rest of the week without him. Management told the coach it was his call, league sources say. They would’ve gone with a suspension, a benching, whatever Saunders wanted. The coach backed down, again. - Yahoo! Sports

Naturally, with Wade's high school coach (now a regional scout for the Heat) and several TV camera crews in attendance to interview Wade, the subject of potentially playing for his hometown Chicago Bulls came up. Wade, who has carefully and playfully handled questions about his pending free agency, was again prepared to offer very little. He did, however, suggest that Chicago probably shouldn't have cleared cap space especially for him. "I understand the business side of it, so I understand what they're doing," Wade said. "But it had nothing to do with me." Yeah. Right. - Miami Herald

Real Madrid are rumoured to be offering Argentina guard Manu Ginobili a contract worth $13.5 million for next season. Ramon Trecet of Spanish newspaper Marca has reported that Real are very interested in bringing the 32-year-old guard in and would be willing to pay him close to $3 million more than what he is earning this season. - FIBA

Mayo said his agent informed him about a potential deal, and he credited veteran teammates for keeping the ordeal in perspective. "It's part of the business," Mayo said. "I can't imagine not being here (with Memphis). But it is what it is. I guess the team thought maybe Monta Ellis would be a better fit. I don't know." - Memphis Commercial Appeal

You could be a free agent next year, if you opt out. Would you like to come back? John Salmons: That’s all stuff that I will work out in the future. When it is time to worry about it, I will sit back and make those decisions. - Sporting News

Coach Don Nelson and general manager Larry Riley each said the Williams move and the Bell statement don't exclude Morrow from remaining a Warrior. "It would be good to have them all," Nelson said. "It's good to have a deep bench. When you're going through a year like we're having now, you realize how important it is to have good backup players." - San Francisco Chronicle

Singleton will be a free agent next summer, but said that he wouldn't mind coming back next season. "I've had a great time here," Singleton said. "I know next year, it's going to be a different makeup. But getting a fresh, fresh start with the team would be great, because I already have a half a season under Flip Saunders and the coaching staff and the system. If everything presents itself well, I'd love to return here." - Washington Post

According to a league source, Ilgauskas signed for $925,000 for the rest of the season. That will cost the Cavs $1.85 million in total because they will have to pay a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on that added salary. With it, the true cost of the Jamison trade is now in focus. By taking on guard Sebastian Telfair, re-signing Ilgauskas, plus the slightly more money that Jamison makes, the deal cost Cavs owner Dan Gilbert roughly $5.2 million extra this season, including luxury taxes. Also, Jamison and Telfair have years left on their contracts totaling $31 million over the next two years with which the Cavs were not previously committed. That number could grow depending on whether the team is over the luxury-tax line. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Former Washington Wizards center Brendan Haywood, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, told reporters after Monday's practice that he didn't agree with the practice style of Eddie Jordan, who coached Haywood in Washington and now coaches the Sixers. "In Washington, [Jordan] made it known it was an open competition," Haywood told ESPNDallas.com. Jordan "felt like that competition fueled the team. It was actually terrible for the team. This [situation in Dallas] is more along the lines of, whoever is playing the best, put him in the game and let's try to get something done." - Philadelphia Inquirer

Lewis privately muttered something about Van Gundy’s offense on a night he was 2-of-9 for six points. Matt Barnes was seething at the coach, too. Van Gundy took out defensive specialist Barnes for a long stretch in the fourth period, trying to get the Magic back in the game with shooters, and Barnes took it as a personal affront. “He obviously doesn’t trust me down the stretch,” Barnes huffed. - Orlando Sentinel

After initially taking offense to Charles Barkley labeling him among the "Titos" who have failed to offer enough support to Wade's Michael Jackson, forward Michael Beasley changed his tune Wednesday. He said Barkley should feel free to call him anything he wants. He simply doesn't care. "He can call me Tito. He can call me New Edition. Spongebob. He can call me whoever he wants. I'm going to go out there and play." Beasley said the name-calling episode with Barkley was never anything personal. "I might have said (something) the wrong way. He took it the wrong way. It escalated and snowballed. But I honestly really don't care." - Miami Herald

To make room for Ilgauskas, Brown said he's going to have to cut the playing time of forward Leon Powe and Hickson, both of whom have been playing well. But in an attempt to find the right mix, Brown might experiment with using bigger lineups that put Jamison at small forward. "I do have in my mind what I want to do but it can change," Brown said. "I told Z this is what we're starting with, but don't be alarmed if it changes." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Does it feel like some guys are not as interested out there? Antoine Wright: “I don’t know if it was the interest factor, but sometimes guys, offensively when they’re not making shots and things are not going their way they tend to let it frustrate them and get in their heads a little bit. We’re all at fault in that aspect. It’s happened to every single one of us in this locker room and it happens to other teams throughout the league. I think we just have to do a better job of sticking with the game plan, especially when you’re shot’s not going off. You’ve got to do other things. Until we understand that, we’re going to have more nights like tonight.” - The Score

In this week's Sports Illustrated, a poll of 173 NBA players has Ilgauskas and O'Neal as the two "Slowest Going Baseline To Baseline" in the league. Ilgauskas led with 27 percent of the vote and O'Neal was second with 24 percent. Houston's Yao Ming was distant third with 11 percent. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

While Paul Pierce led the team with 27 points, it was Rondo who was the floor general with his seventh career triple-double - fourth in the regular season - in Boston’s 113-99 win over the talented Denver Nuggets Wednesday night at TD Garden. “We’re starting to put it together. We had a little hiccup at Utah but we’ve done a pretty good job. We’re getting better each game. We’re not going to play perfect every game. We’re not going to win every game from here on out probably but at the end of the day, as long as we continue to get better and work toward our goal, we’ll be fine.“We haven’t blown as many leads as we did early on in the season so we’re getting better.” - WEEI

After having a solid game himself, Nate Robinson was asked about how the play of the starter at his position, Rajon Rondo, was the key to tonight's win over the Nuggets. Robinson paused, then answered gracefully. "Yeah, I mean that’s the most important thing," said Robinson. "[Rondo's an] All-Star point guard, phenomenal player. It’s weird you've got Rondo running the show, you've got KG, and he’s a vet. It’s like you got a guy out here, young guy, running the show, and the vets and everybody are just listening and just try to play together. That’s what makes the team. Nobody plays with egos. It’s a fun, great group of guys, and I love being on this team.” - Boston Globe

O'Neal pounded every single step in the lower bowl along with assistant strength coach Ken Snead, working his away around the arena while the Cavs went through drills before facing the Hornets. That workout, plus what O'Neal said has been a personal ban on cheeseburgers, appears to have helped him peel off weight during the recovery period. O'Neal has been out for three weeks and is expected back in three to four weeks, though he's hoping to get clearance sooner. "I didn't have to see him running, I could hear him," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "It had a nice little rhythm to it." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

NBA Daily Results

vs(From the Associated Press) - Dwyane Wade got a warm reception when he was introduced before the game. It was a Chicago crowd’s way of saying welcome home to a native son who’s a star and could become a major free agent. Wade doesn’t always score big at the United Center and Thursday night he didn’t have to. His game was well-rounded, even if he did score only 12 points, as his Miami Heat rolled over the Chicago Bulls 103-74 in one of the most lopsided games of the season for either team. “I was laying in bed today and I was wondering why I don’t play good here like I play other places on the road,” Wade said. “I decided I play too fast here. I decided to come out and play like I normally play, with a lot of patience. … My game plan going out there was to get my teammates involved. I knew they were going to bring two at me and pack the paint a little bit. So I decided to make sure to get my teammates involved and it opened things up.” In 29 minutes, Wade had 10 assists and five rebounds. He entered averaging 26.5 points. Jermaine O’Neal scored 24 points, shooting 9 of 14 against a soft Chicago defense, while Michael Beasley scored 15 and Udonis Haslem 14...The Bulls have lost 11 of 13, including a 10-game losing streak, and are in ninth place in the East. “No good answer for anything,” Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said of the loss. “They just attacked us with O’Neal and Beasley. … It’s disappointing. We didn’t have enough fight in us tonight.” Hakim Warrick led the Bulls with 14 points while Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose had 12 apiece.

vs(From the Associated Press) - It had been so long since the Los Angeles Clippers won on the road, some players felt as if Thursday night’s 99-93 victory was their first away from home this season. Their road losing streak had stretched to 11 games, the last win coming Feb. 2. It lasted so long that Drew Gooden, acquired in a trade over a month ago, had yet to win a road game with his new team. “It’s my first road win here so I’m happy about that,” he said. Craig Smith scored a season-high 25 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the way for the Clippers, who trailed by as many as 11 in the second half before using a big run to take the lead...“It’s good to get the win for all the hard work our guys have put in,” coach Kim Hughes said. “Baron really bailed us out in the fourth quarter and Craig Smith had a great game.” The Rockets were led by Ariza and Aaron Brooks, who had 18 points apiece, and Luis Scola added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Drew Gooden scored 17 points and had 14 rebounds for Los Angeles, Davis scored 16 and Gordon had 14. Houston used a big run to take an 11-point lead midway through the third quarter. But Los Angeles answered with a 21-8 run to regain the lead, 69-67, with about two minutes left in the quarter. Ariza said it’s difficult to compete when the team is dealing with so many injuries. “That’s the hardest part about this game,” he said. “We work … all season with those guys and they go down. It takes a lot out of you. We know that coming into a game we just got to figure out ways to keep it going.”

vs(From the Associated Press) - If the Trail Blazers land the Mavericks as first-round opponents in the playoffs, the season series thus far has certainly been a good omen. Portland has gone 3-0 against Dallas, the latest a 101-89 victory on Thursday night at the Rose Garden. The teams meet once more, on April 9 again in Portland. But the Blazers have already claimed their first season series over Dallas since the 1998-99 season. The Mavericks’ loss put them in a tangle for second in the Western Conference standings with the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz—all 6 1/2 games back of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers are 10 1/2 games back, jockeying for the seventh spot with San Antonio. “This is a good test,” said Blazers guard Andre Miller, who had 19 points and 10 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Camby had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Portland, which has won six of its last seven games overall and five straight at home. “We take tonight’s game and show that we can play with those guys that are ahead of us,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. Caron Butler had 25 points for Dallas, which has lost four of its last five games after a 13-game winning streak...“It was important. It’s just important to win right now, but it feels good that you can beat a team that’s second or third in the Western Conference,” said Roy, who had 16 points. “This was a huge win for us.”

Potential Buyers of SLR?

(From Sta. Lucia Realtors)

There are no official announcement yet that the Sta. Lucia Realtors are for sale, but rumors started to spring that tagged two powerful companies as having the inside track in case negotiation pushes through.

Manila Electric Company (Meralco), a company with rich basketball tradition, has already expressed their interest in joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In fact, a source revealed that Manuel V. Pangilinan had already announced to some key company employees its plan to participate in the PBA. It is not clear though whether they are planning to assemble a new team from the amateurs or acquire an existing franchise.

Henry Sy, head of department store giant SM, was also reported to be interested and is willing to invest in the PBA. There are no official word yet, but the blogosphere is awashed with unsubstantiated reports that SM is currently considered by many SLR insiders as an avid suitor.

Meralco and SM are reportedly at the top of the list, while everyone else is two, three, four and five. If they want to buy SLR, then the two companies need to make a very attractive offer to both the management and the players.

Pangilinan and Sy are both ranked by several observers as the powerful people in both politics and banking with a total wealth that runs to billions of pesos. If either of these two businessmen were to purchase the Realtors, league sources say present coach Boyet Fernandez could still retain his position, but Buddy Encarnado will most likely be given his walking papers.

It can be recalled that SLR released most of its experienced player that were instrumental in capturing the 2008 PBA Philippine Cup Title because of financial problems. Sources say the management believes that they can still make money if they can sell the franchise this year with all star Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes still in the fold.

SLR has been with the league since 1993, and the franchise's lack of success during that time (only two championship crowns and several third-place finishes) has angered many Realtor fans. The team ranks near the bottom of the standings for two years now and the ownership are hesitant to invest in big names in the reserve list and free agency.

Sources revealed that Pangilinan and Sy are willing to pour in more funds to rehabilitate and overhaul of the team's front-office, coaching staffs and player rosters.

Knicks To Sign Bell? Nelson To Coach In The D-League?

Mired in a 12-game slide and facing the distraction of supended guard Gilbert Arenas's sentencing on Friday, the Washington Wizards have another potential mess on their hands with the benching of Andray Blatche in Tuesday's 95-86 loss to Charlotte. Wizards Coach Flip Saunders removed Blatche from the game after he played 7 minutes 31 seconds in the first quarter. Saunders said initially he wanted to talk to the power forward about not getting back on defense. Blatche, however, wanted no part of the discussion and essentially boycotted the rest of the game. That left the Wizards short-handed in a game they may have won had Blatche been reinserted. - Washington Post Blog

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said yesterday he would talk to Raja Bell's representative now that Bell has been waived by the Warriors. Bell, the defensive guard who starred for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix, will become a free agent when he clears waivers today, but more important Bell becomes a free agent this summer. - NY Post

If Drew Gooden had his way, he'd still be playing for the Mavericks. And he said he hopes the door is open for a possible return this summer. Gooden is with the Clippers after getting traded in the Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson deal. Washington moved Gooden on to LA. - Dallas Morning News

Enthused by the play of the NBA Development Leaguers and the potential on the injury list, Warriors coach Don Nelson said Tuesday that he intends to coach the team's summer-league team in Las Vegas. "It's exciting for me to watch them develop, and I can put them in creative situations," Nelson said. "I want them to use those situations going into next season. Not a lot of coaches do those sorts of things, so it would be nice to have a summer with it." - San Francisco Chronicle

After pregame comments in which Pistons coach John Kuester said he felt he had a playoff team in the beginning, the first-year coach's frustrations boiled over during another loss to the Pacers -- somewhat symbolic of a season in which the Pistons are anything but a playoff team. In the third quarter of Tuesday night's 98-83 loss at the Palace, Kuester was quickly ejected for arguing an offensive call that went against Ben Gordon, so he wasn't around to watch his team fall to 23-48 after eight consecutive playoff appearances. - Detroit Free Press

Kobe Bryant is expected to sign an extension and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers core players are signed into the future. Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, however, is not under contract next season. In a wide-ranging interview with ESPNLosAngeles.com, enigmatic Lakers owner Jerry Buss delivered some thoughts on the process and addressed recent reports of family tension regarding the re-signing of Jackson for next season. - ESPN

76ers swingman Andre Iguodala intends to play all 82 games this season. Never mind that he's currently struggling with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, never mind the pointlessness of the Sixers' final games, and never mind his numbers, which lately have been dropping quicker than an elevator. The only missed games of Iguodala's career came during the 2006-07 season when he missed six games with a lower back strain. - Philadelphia Inquirer

Carmelo Anthony is one of the five best players in the NBA, and will be highly coveted if he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2011 season. But any discussion now about him coming to the Knicks is a waste of energy. It shouldn't be mentioned, and it shouldn't be insinuated, especially by any member of a Knicks organization looking to protect itself if its free-agent signings go poorly this summer. For now, Anthony should be treated as the enemy, the way Danilo Gallinari treated him last night at the Garden. It was the first time in a long time one of the NBA's elite stars didn't dominate on the Knicks' home floor. - NY Post

When Anthony came out, he talked about the gall of Gallinari, who was trash-talking with the all-star. And he also discussed the not-so-ambiguous comments Knicks president Donnie Walsh made to the New York Post, suggesting that even though the Knicks have money to spend this summer, they are looking at rebuilding over the next couple years — and Melo could be available after 2011. "I really don't know what's going to happen the next year," Anthony said. "I don't know what's going to happen. But I don't see why anybody wouldn't want to play here in New York." - Denver Post

There are two things Donnie Walsh loves talking about – the wonders of cap space and the passion the Garden crowd has shown during this trying season. "I've never see anything like it,'' Walsh says. Last night in their stirring 109-104 win over Denver, the sold-out Garden rocked as the Knicks eked it out down the stretch. When Danilo Gallinari heated up in the third quarter, going mano-mano vs. Carmelo Anthony, the arena was bedlam. "That's why it's New York, it' the best,'' said D'Antoni, whose team now hits the road for a five-game West Coast trip and have only three home dates left among their remaining 11. - NY Post Blog

NBA Daily Results

vs(From the Associated Press) - The Boston Celtics are back in the playoffs. They want to be playing their best when those games start. They were very good on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett added 20 and Rajon Rondo had triple-double as Boston clinched a postseason berth with a 113-99 win over the Denver Nuggets...The Celtics dominated inside and the Nuggets, one day after losing to the Knicks in New York, slipped a half-game behind the Dallas Mavericks and into a third-place tie with Utah in the Western Conference with their third consecutive loss. Boston led by 21 points twice in the third quarter before Denver cut the lead to 87-80 going into the fourth. But the Celtics stayed ahead by seven to 16 the rest of the way. Rondo had 11 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony led Denver with 32 points and J.R. Smith added 21...Boston has reached the playoffs in all three seasons since Garnett and Ray Allen joined Pierce to form the Big Three. It won its 17th NBA title in 2008 and was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Orlando Magic in 2009.

vs(From the Associated Press) - It took a trip to the weight room, some special exercises and a ball of tape to help Stephen Jackson overcome a painful finger injury and break out of his shooting slump. That, along with a friendly stretch of the schedule, has moved the Charlotte Bobcats up a notch in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Jackson got hot from 3-point range (4 of 6) and scored on a variety of drives on his way to 37 points as Charlotte beat Minnesota 108-95 on Wednesday night to send the reeling Timberwolves to their 14th straight loss...“My left hand is my dribbling hand, my setup hand,” Jackson said. “I do a lot of stuff with my left hand, so it’s been frustrating the last couple of games. But I’m starting to block it out. I’ve made some adjustments and it’s starting to come together. But there’s still a lot of pain.” It didn’t show against the struggling Timberwolves. Gerald Wallace added 23 points as the Bobcats shot 54 percent in their sixth straight home win. “He’s a scorer,” Wallace said of Jackson. “He’s not going to let a finger injury keep him from scoring.” Al Jefferson scored 21 points for the Timberwolves, who came apart in a 20-0 Charlotte run in the second quarter. They committed 17 turnovers and slipped to 5-32 on the road as their long and difficult season winds to a close...Ramon Sessions had 14 points off the bench for Minnesota, which got little from its starting group outside Jefferson. Corey Brewer and Jonny Flynn had eight points apiece on a combined 6 of 17 shooting.

vs(From the Associated Press) - Josh Smith would have preferred that Joe Johnson make the shot. It worked out fine for the Atlanta Hawks. Smith swooped in to dunk Johnson’s miss just ahead of the buzzer as the Hawks pulled out another close one, finally beating the Orlando Magic 86-84 Wednesday night to clinch a third straight trip to the playoffs...After Vince Carter hit a long 3-pointer with 9.9 seconds left to tie it at 84, the Hawks—out of timeouts—rushed down the court to set up Johnson for the potential winning shot. He drove the baseline and put up a one-hander, which bounced off the far side of the rim. But the Magic failed to block out Smith, who soared through the air for the slam just before the red light went on. The officials checked the replay to be sure—it clearly showed him dunking with 00.1 seconds remaining....Smith blew past Rashard Lewis and dunked over Dwight Howard, who had a season-high 24 rebounds but wasn’t there at the end because he came out to help defensively against Johnson. “On the weak side, we just stood and watched,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “The guys on the court are doing the same thing the guys on the bench are doing: just standing there watching.”...Carter led Orlando with 20 points, while Howard chipped in with another monster performance: 19 points and his domination of the boards. Johnson led six Atlanta players in double figures with 17 points, while Smith scored 15.

vs(From the Associated Press) - The Indiana Pacers are winning basketball games too late to do nearly anything but hurt their chances of getting a high draft pick. Danny Granger scored 31 points to help the Pacers beat the Washington Wizards 99-82 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight win...Josh McRoberts had 14 points and a career-high 12 rebounds and Troy Murphy had 12 points and 19 rebounds for Indiana. The Pacers won their sixth straight at home and sent the Wizards to a franchise record-tying 13th straight loss...Andray Blatche started for the Wizards a night after he was benched for most of the game following a spat with Saunders. He finished with 21 points in 39 minutes. It was another poor offensive showing for the Wizards, who haven’t scored 100 or more points in any game during the losing streak. Though Blatche was productive and James Singleton had 19 points and a career-high 21 rebounds as a reserve, no other Wizards player scored more than 12 points...Granger scored at least 30 points for the third straight game. “Three games, yeah, 30 points, but three wins too,” he said. “That’s the best part about it. It’s one of those things where you just keep winning and you wonder ‘What if this would have happened a month and a half ago, two months ago.”’

vs(From the Associated Press) - One by one, the Toronto Raptors silently funneled out of the locker room following their second straight blowout loss at home. They had gone just as quietly against the Utah Jazz. Deron Williams had 18 points, 16 assists and eight rebounds, leading the Jazz to a 113-87 victory on Wednesday night...Carlos Boozer added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Mehmet Okur and rookie Wesley Matthews had 16 points apiece for the Jazz, who won their third straight and improved to 28-8 in their past 36 games. Seven Jazz players finished with at least 12 points...Bosh celebrated his 26th birthday with a 20-point performance for the Raptors (35-35), who fell 1 1/2 games behind Charlotte and Miami in the race for sixth place in the Eastern Conference...Antoine Wright had 10 of his 15 points in the second quarter for the Raptors, while Andrea Bargnani added 12 and Jose Calderon 10.