Barangay Ginebra rediscovered its attack, while LeBron James logged his first Philadelphia minutes and the NBA preseason produced several notable performances. Alperen Sengun owned the Macao spotlight, and Manila Clasico now waits on Sunday.
1. Abarrientos and Murphy power Ginebra past Rain or Shine
Barangay Ginebra snapped its slide with a 129 to 111 win over Rain or Shine at Ynares Center in Antipolo. RJ Abarrientos scored 34 points with nine assists, drilling six three pointers and three four point shots, while new import Nick Murphy supplied 30 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks without a turnover. Ginebra led by as many as 33 after building a 67 to 34 advantage, improving to three wins and four losses as Rain or Shine fell to four wins and three losses. The emphatic response changed the mood from yesterday's survival test and gives Tim Cone's team welcome momentum before Sunday's Manila Clasico against Magnolia.
2. LeBron makes his Philadelphia debut in a loss to Brooklyn
LeBron James made his first preseason appearance for Philadelphia, but Brooklyn won 114 to 108 at Barclays Center. James produced 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and one steal in 18 minutes, making his only field goal and all eight free throws. The appearance followed Philadelphia's preseason opening win without its leading stars and offered the first public look at James alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. Julius Randle led Brooklyn with 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Philadelphia did not get the result, but James completing his first live stint without a reported setback was the central development as the Sixers build their combinations.
3. Doncic steers the Lakers past Sacramento again
The Lakers completed a second preseason win over Sacramento, 114 to 110, behind Luka Doncic's 23 points, three rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes. Doncic shot 6 of 16 but made all nine free throws, creating efficient offense even without a hot shooting night. Sandro Mamukelashvili led Sacramento with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, hitting seven of 10 shots and three of six attempts from deep. The tight finish gave both teams useful late game work, while Los Angeles again showed the steadier execution after defeating the Kings earlier in the preseason.
4. Sengun triple double headlines Houston rout in Macao
Alperen Sengun controlled Houston's 135 to 117 win over Dallas at Venetian Arena in Macao, recording 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tari Eason added 20 points, while Fred VanVleet scored 17 with seven assists. Dallas still received a sharp first half from rookie Cooper Flagg, who posted 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes before his night ended, shooting seven of 14. Houston looked deeper and more connected, while Dallas saw Flagg handle a prominent offensive role against NBA size. The teams meet again Sunday in Macao, giving both staffs an immediate opportunity to adjust.
5. Lacob explains the thinking behind Curry's contract sacrifice
In a new interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Warriors owner Joe Lacob described Stephen Curry's two year, $116 million extension as a partnership decision intended to keep Golden State competitive around its franchise star. Curry reportedly accepted roughly $20 million less than the maximum available, preserving salary flexibility for roster building. The agreement was completed last month, but Lacob's fresh explanation provided the new detail: the organization views Curry's concession as part of a shared attempt to create another championship window. The test is how effectively Golden State converts that flexibility into help during Curry's remaining elite seasons.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
All dates below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Final Score | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2026 | NBA: Celtics at Cavaliers | Celtics 124, Cavaliers 113 | Luka Garza, 22 points and 10 rebounds |
| October 9, 2026 | NBA: 76ers at Nets | Nets 114, 76ers 108 | LeBron James, 10 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes |
| October 9, 2026 | NBA: Kings at Lakers | Lakers 114, Kings 110 | Luka Doncic, 23 points in 25 minutes |
| October 9, 2026 | PBA: Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine | Ginebra 129, Rain or Shine 111 | RJ Abarrientos, 34 points and 9 assists |
| October 9, 2026 | NBA: Rockets vs. Mavericks | Rockets 135, Mavericks 117 | Alperen Sengun, 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists |
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and times below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Location | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: TNT vs. San Miguel | Ynares Center, Antipolo City, Philippines | Two title capable teams meet |
| October 11, 2026, 8:00 AM | NBA: 76ers at Celtics | TD Garden, Boston, United States | Philadelphia continues integrating James |
| October 11, 2026, 8:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco, United States | Golden State tests its rotation |
| October 11, 2026, 6:00 PM | NBA: Mavericks vs. Rockets | Venetian Arena, Macao | Immediate rematch after Houston's convincing win |
| October 11, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Magnolia | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines | Manila Clasico carries urgency |
| October 14, 2026, 10:00 AM | NBA: Warriors at Lakers | T Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States | Major neutral site preseason meeting |
| October 15, 2026, 7:30 AM | NBA: Hornets at Celtics | TD Garden, Boston, United States | Boston's final home preseason evaluation |
| October 17, 2026, 7:00 AM | NBA: Celtics at 76ers | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, United States | Quick rematch inside the seven day window |
Fans should watch whether Ginebra carries its revived offense into Manila Clasico and whether Philadelphia looks more settled when James faces Boston. Which interests you more, Ginebra against Magnolia or a deeper look at James and the Sixers against the Celtics?
Exclusive Sources
Story 5: San Francisco Chronicle
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