NLEX has rewritten the PBA record book with a 60 point victory, while Golden State made quick work of a depleted Lakers lineup. Calvin Oftana also returned with 31 points for TNT, and Philadelphia is already reconsidering its frontcourt options.
1. NLEX Sets PBA Record and Clinches Quarterfinal Place
NLEX secured a Governors’ Cup quarterfinal berth in historic fashion, crushing Macau 138 to 78 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium for the largest winning margin in PBA history. The Road Warriors led 38 to 23 after one quarter and 70 to 43 at halftime before stretching the final gap to 60 points. Javee Winston scored 25, new import Deonte Burton produced 22 in his debut, and Robert Bolick added 14 as NLEX improved to eight wins and two losses. Macau received 36 points from Will Lopez and 22 from Fong Shing Lam, but the guest team could not keep pace with NLEX’s depth and tempo. The result matters beyond the record because it guarantees NLEX a place in the next round and gives Jimmy Alapag an encouraging first look at Burton under competitive pressure.
Source: inquirer.net
2. Warriors Overwhelm Shorthanded Lakers on Nellie Night
Golden State beat Los Angeles 124 to 98 in its preseason home opener, using a 45 point first quarter to take control while the Lakers rested Luka Dončić and several regular rotation players on the second night of consecutive games. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg led the Warriors with 17 points and nine rebounds on seven of 11 shooting, Brandin Podziemski scored 16 on seven of 11, and Stephen Curry had 16 points and five assists in only 14 minutes. The Lakers trailed 81 to 53 at halftime and never seriously threatened, although Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 15 and Jaden Hardy added 13. The result should stay in preseason perspective because the lineups were uneven, but Golden State’s speed, spacing and early chemistry were clear positives. The night also honored late Warriors coach Don Nelson, whose influence remains visible in the franchise’s preference for creative, smaller lineups.
Source: nba.com
3. Oftana Scores 31 as TNT Starts Its Push With a Win
Calvin Oftana returned from more than three months away and immediately changed TNT’s outlook, scoring 31 points in a 116 to 92 victory over Terrafirma. New import Nick Hornsby supplied 26 points in his debut, while Jordan Heading added 14, Henry Galinato 13, Rey Nambatac 11 and RR Pogoy 10. TNT improved to five wins and four losses, drawing level with Converge in the race for the four quarterfinal places in Group A. Terrafirma fell to three wins and six losses despite 27 points from Maverick Ahanmisi and 25 from Justin Strings. Oftana’s return is the most important part of the result because it restores another proven scorer to a TNT group that is still missing several rotation players, while Hornsby’s productive first game offers encouragement that the import transition can work quickly.
Source: sportsbytes.com.ph
4. Sixers Face More Availability Questions Behind Embiid
Philadelphia’s frontcourt problem has widened after yesterday’s confirmation that Ariel Hukporti will miss the season with a torn Achilles. Coach Nick Nurse said Dominick Barlow remains out of practice with a back issue, Anfernee Simons is participating only partially because of hamstring tightness, and Adem Bona has returned to court work but is not ready for the next preseason game. All three have been ruled out against Brooklyn. Nurse indicated that Dean Wade and even LeBron James could handle some small center minutes behind Joel Embiid if necessary, showing how Hukporti’s injury is already forcing lineup experimentation. Nurse also said he hoped most of the major names would be available, but the team will assess how everyone responds after a physical practice. That means LeBron’s possible Philadelphia preseason debut remains something to watch, not a confirmed promise.
Source: libertyballers.com
5. Rockets and Mavericks Bring a Major NBA Showcase to Macao
Houston and Dallas have arrived in Macao for the first of two NBA China Games, giving Asian fans an early look at Kevin Durant, Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and two ambitious Western Conference teams. The opening game is scheduled for Friday at 8:00 PM Philippine time, followed by a second meeting Sunday at 6:00 PM, both at The Venetian Arena. The Rockets have already practiced on the custom court, while the Mavericks drew a large crowd during team activities outside the venue. These are still exhibition games, so rotations and minutes may be managed carefully, but the pairing offers more than a promotional stop. Houston can test how Durant fits its established core, while Dallas gets valuable reps for Flagg and its reshaped roster in a neutral setting against strong opposition.
Source: nba.com
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and times below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Location | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 10:00 AM | NBA: Warriors at Trail Blazers | Moda Center, Portland, USA | Golden State tests its depth on consecutive nights. |
| October 9, 7:00 AM | NBA: Celtics at Cavaliers | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, USA | Boston opens its preseason against an Eastern contender. |
| October 9, 10:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Lakers | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA | Another look at the Lakers after resting key players. |
| October 9, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine | Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines | Ginebra resumes its campaign with a new import. |
| October 9, 8:00 PM | NBA: Rockets vs. Mavericks | The Venetian Arena, Macao, China | First of two NBA China Games. |
| October 10, 7:30 PM | PBA: TNT vs. San Miguel | Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines | Oftana and Hornsby face one of Group A’s strongest teams. |
| October 11, 8:00 AM | NBA: 76ers at Celtics | TD Garden, Boston, USA | Jaylen Brown returns to Boston in a preseason rivalry game. |
| October 11, 8:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco, USA | Golden State gets another test for its new combinations. |
| October 11, 6:00 PM | NBA: Mavericks vs. Rockets | The Venetian Arena, Macao, China | The Macao series concludes with a rematch. |
| October 11, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Magnolia | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines | Manila Clasico gives Ginebra a major rivalry test. |
Watch how NLEX builds on its record performance and whether Ginebra can restart its campaign with immediate urgency. Which matchup interests you more this week, Ginebra against Magnolia or the Rockets against the Mavericks in Macao?
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