Author Archives: markthatmike

By Jonas Terrado Dave Ildefonso can now shift his focus back to basketball after weeks processing his transfer from National University to Ateneo. Dave Ildefonso (FIBA images, File) Ildefonso, who will play for Mighty Sports Philippines in this week’s Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament, made headlines when he decided to leave Sampaloc after two seasons toContinue reading “Dave Ildefonso: The Blue Eagle has landed”

By the Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Chris Paul had become annoyed with Oklahoma City’s recent slow starts, so he did something about it. He scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 119-106 on Saturday night. Oklahoma City Thunder guard ChrisContinue reading “NBA: Chris Paul’s 30 points lead Thunder past short-handed Trail Blazers”

By the Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — With wins so hard to come by for the injury-plagued Warriors, everyone means a little more now to coach Steve Kerr. Golden State Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell, left, looks to pass away from Orlando Magic’s Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan.Continue reading “NBA: D’Angelo Russell shows the way for Warriors past Magic to end 10-game losing streak”

By the Associated Press HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers were determined to start the second half of their season on a high note following a loss that snapped a nine-game winning streak. They were able to do that by riding a big third quarter to a 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets. Los AngelesContinue reading “NBA: Lakers torch Rockets in 3rd quarter”

By the Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS— Fred VanVleet knew he was on a minutes restriction as he made his return from a hamstring injury after missing five games. The Raptors guard tried not to think much about it while on the court. Instead, he made the most of the minutes he did play. Toronto Raptors guardContinue reading “NBA: Fred VanVleet scores 29 in return as Raptors beat Timberwolves”

By the Associated Press CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls overcame a poor performance in the first three quarters with a strong finish. Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, left, celebrates with forward Lauri Markkanen after scoring a basket during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Chicago, Saturday, Jan.Continue reading “NBA: Zach LaVine nets 42 as Chicago rallies late to beat Cavs”

By the Associated Press NEW YORK — The 76ers haven’t won as much on the road as they’d like. They relied on defense to get it done at Madison Square Garden. Tobias Harris hit a go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, Ben Simmons had 21 points and Philadelphia beat the New York Knicks 90-87Continue reading “NBA: Ben Simmons leads Sixers, Tobias Harris’ late three seals win over Knicks”

By the Associated Press ATLANTA— Derrick Rose has been rolling lately, and in a good way. Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose (25) goes up to shoot as Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) The 11th-year point guard,Continue reading “NBA: Derrick Rose, Svi Mykhailiuk spark Pistons to rout Hawks”

By the Associated Press BOSTON — Devin Booker sure loves playing in TD Garden. His near triple-double effort was just barely enough for the Phoenix Suns to overcome Boston guard Marcus Smart’s performance. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half of an NBA basketballContinue reading “NBA: Suns overcome Marcus Smart’s record 11 three-pointers, edge Celtics”

By the Associated Press NEW YORK — Their lead was only nine with a minute left in the first half and it looked like the Milwaukee Bucks might be on their way to a close game. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes for a basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Wilson Chandler (21), during anContinue reading “NBA: Bucks rout Nets for 6th straight win”