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The Denver Nuggets pushed the West No. 1 seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a thrilling Game 7 match-up after defeating them 119-107 in Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 (PH time) at the Ball Arena in Denver.

Nikola Jokic was the catalyst for the Nuggets’ victory, posting a dominant double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds. He also contributed eight assists, two steals, and a block, showing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

His partner, Jamal Murray, backed him up with a strong performance, putting up 25 markers, eight boards, seven dimes, and a crucial rejection. Christian Braun also made his presence felt, delivering a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while adding five assists, three steals, and a block to the stat sheet.

The Nuggets’ bench came alive with Julian Strawther providing the spark they needed, finishing with 15 markers and two boards to help maintain the team’s momentum throughout the game.

In this Player Profile Series, we look back at the career of Benjie Paras—“The Tower of Power”—the only player in PBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.

Paras was drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989 and made an immediate impact. With his strength, mobility, and basketball IQ, he brought a complete inside presence—shot-blocking, rebounding, mid-range shooting, and post scoring. Shell didn’t win a title that year, but Paras’ dominant rookie season stood out above the rest.

In 1990, Paras led Shell to its first PBA championship, defeating Anejo Rhum in six games in the Open Conference Finals—a series remembered for Anejo’s controversial Game 6 walkout. The following year, Shell and Ginebra met again in the Reinforced Conference Finals. Shell took a 3–1 series lead but couldn’t close it out. Ginebra forced a Game 7 and won it on Rudy Distrito’s buzzer-beater.

Paras bounced back in 1992, helping Shell win another title—this time over San Miguel. But the team struggled with consistency after that. In 1993, Paras sat out one conference due to a contract dispute and requested a trade to Anejo, which didn’t materialize. He shifted focus to his acting career before returning to Shell. The team wouldn’t make another Finals appearance until the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup, where they pushed Alaska to seven games but came up short. Paras was back in the MVP conversation that season.

In 1998, Paras returned to the Finals in the Centennial Cup but lost to Mobiline. The rematch came later that year in the Governor’s Cup. Shell trailed 2–3 in the series but fought back to win in Game 7, with Paras and Gerry Esplana stepping up in crunch time.

His final championship came in 1999, leading Shell past the Tanduay Rhum Makers in six games. Facing a tough frontcourt that featured Fil-Ams Eric Menk and Sonny Alvarado, Paras held his own and steered Shell to the title. He won his second MVP that year—ten years after his first.

In the early 2000s, Paras battled injuries and eventually joined San Miguel in 2003. He retired at the end of that season, finishing his PBA career with 10,322 points in 574 games.

Paras also represented the Philippines in the 1990 Asian Games, where the national team brought home a silver medal after falling to China in the final.

In 2013, he returned to basketball as an assistant coach for the San Beda Red Lions and played in the PBA Legends Asia Tour the following year.

After his playing days, Paras transitioned into showbiz. He appeared in a range of TV dramas, sitcoms, and fantasy series, and also hosted game shows. Known for his versatility, Paras became a familiar face both on screen and on stage.

He is married to Lyxen Diomampo and has three children with her. He also has two sons from a previous marriage with actress Jackie Forster—Andre, who pursued both basketball and acting, and Kobe, who played college basketball in the U.S. and later for the UP Fighting Maroons before turning pro in Japan.

For the second consecutive season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals after dispatching the Golden State Warriors, 121-110, on Wednesday, May 15 (PH time) in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series.

The Timberwolves leaned on a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive energy to close out the series at home. Julius Randle led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, setting the tone with his aggression and leadership on both ends of the floor.

Anthony Edwards once again proved his all-around value, notching a double-double with 22 markers and 12 dimes, while also contributing seven boards, a steal, and three blocks in another signature playoff performance.

The defending champions Boston Celtics survive another day after beating the New York Knicks, 127-102, on Thursday, May 15 (PH time), at the TD Garden.

Refusing to go down quietly, the Celtics delivered a strong statement at home to extend their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. They now trail the series 2-3 and will need another must-win effort to force a Game 7 and keep their championship hopes alive—this time without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both squads trading baskets and energy. By halftime, the score was tied at 59, reflecting the intensity of a game where neither side wanted to blink.

But the second half belonged to Boston.

The Celtics came out of the locker room firing, outscoring the Knicks 32-17 in the third quarter behind suffocating defense and precise execution on offense. That run gave them a 91-76 cushion heading into the final frame.

Boston didn't let up in the fourth. With their season on the line, they kept their foot on the gas, closing out the game with a 36-26 quarter to complete a wire-to-wire second-half performance and secure the 25-point blowout win.

Another PBA Most Valuable Player takes the spotlight in our Player Profile Series. This time, we go back to 1985 and feature “The Quick Brown Fox” himself—Ricardo Brown.

Born on May 22, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Brown holds the distinction of being the first-ever Fil-American to play in the PBA as a ‘local.’ His career in the league ran from 1983 to 1990, but his impact remains legendary.

Standing at 6’1”, Brown was selected 59th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1979 NBA Draft, but he was never signed. That didn’t stop him from chasing the game he loved. While playing in the United States, he was discovered by Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., which opened the door for him to come to the Philippines.

Before his PBA debut, Brown suited up for the De La Salle Green Archers in various tournaments in 1982 while taking classes.

Then came 1983—his official entry into the PBA with the Great Taste Coffee Makers. That year, he took home Rookie of the Year honors and was also named to the Mythical Five. He nearly pulled off a rare trifecta, finishing in the MVP conversation alongside Bogs Adornado and eventual winner Abet Guidaben.

Two years later, in 1985, Brown’s dominance was undeniable. He won league MVP and averaged over 30 points and double-digit assists per game. That season included a 56-point outburst against Ginebra and back-to-back 40+ point games in the PBA Open Championship versus Norman Black and Magnolia.

In just seven years and 19 conferences, Brown played for only two teams: Great Taste and San Miguel. But in that time, he won nine championships and rewrote the standards for guard play in the league. His elite ball-handling, court vision, quickness, and ability to score from anywhere made him one of the best point/combo guards in PBA history.

Even in a career that lasted just seven years and 19 conferences, Brown left behind a remarkable statistical legacy. He averaged 23.1 points and 7.3 assists per game—numbers that rank among the best in league history. He also shot 87.9% from the free-throw line over his career, showcasing his elite consistency and skill from the stripe.

He was also part of San Miguel’s Grand Slam run in 1989, playing a key role alongside legends like Hector Calma, Samboy Lim, and Ramon Fernandez.

In 2000, Brown was named one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009, along with former teammates Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, and Hector Calma.

Life Beyond the Court

Brown’s family has deep Filipino roots. His parents were married in Manila in 1945. His father, Lee Brown, was an American serviceman and a former MLB player for the St. Louis Cardinals. His mother, Conrada Vidal, ran a family photography business in Santa Cruz, Manila. Brown is married to Filipina Lorma Sahagun from Ilocos Norte, and they have two sons—Justin and Kevan. Kevan was born at Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan.

In 1987, Brown also dabbled in acting, starring alongside Comedy King Dolphy in Action Is Not Missing, an MMFF entry and box-office hit.

Outside of basketball and entertainment, Brown found another calling: education. Since 1981, he has served as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, and principal. In 2008, he became the first Filipino-American principal in the ABC Unified School District in California. Under his leadership, both Ross Academy and Tracy High School earned state honors for excellence.

The Oklahoma City Thunder took control of their second-round series against the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling 112–105 Game 5 victory on Wednesday, May 14 (PH time) at the Paycom Center. With the win, the Thunder now hold a 3–2 series lead and are just one win away from their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2016.

It was a tightly contested matchup from the opening tip. The Nuggets led by just two at the half, 56–54, behind strong efforts from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In the third quarter, Denver looked poised to pull away after extending the lead to eight, 88–80, heading into the final frame.

But Oklahoma City’s youthful energy and relentless pace turned the tide in the fourth. The Thunder slowly chipped away at the deficit, staying composed even as the Nuggets tried to hold them off. With under six minutes to go, OKC erased a nine-point gap and eventually tied the game at 92-all, sending the Paycom crowd into a frenzy.

In the final stretch, it became a battle of stars. Tied at 100, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on Jamal Murray after shooting from midrange and calmly completed the three-point play to give OKC the lead. Moments later, Jokic answered with a difficult, off-balance three to level the score at 103–103.

The Indiana Pacers are headed back to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season after taking down the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-105, on Wednesday, May 14 (PH time) at the Rocket Arena. The Pacers wrapped up the best-of-seven series in five games, 4-1.

Tyrese Haliburton once again proved why he’s the engine of this Indiana squad, delivering another masterful all-around performance. The All-Star guard poured in 31 points, including 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc, while also recording six rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block. His offensive rhythm and composure were key in guiding the Pacers through Cleveland's defensive pressure.

Indiana also displayed impressive team balance, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Pascal Siakam continued his consistent production with 21 markers, Andrew Nembhard contributed 18, Aaron Nesmith posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Myles Turner chipped in 10 points to round out the scoring from the starting unit. The Pacers’ collective effort and unselfish play helped them overcome an early double-digit deficit.

Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for a powerful one-two punch to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, May 13 (PH time) at the Chase Center. Randle led the way with 31 points, while Edwards followed closely with 30 as the Timberwolves seized a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinal series.

Minnesota’s victory wasn’t just about their stars. Jaden McDaniels made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, posting a solid double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists, a steal, and a block in a well-rounded performance that provided crucial support for the Wolves’ playoff push.

The Warriors, still without their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry due to injury, leaned on their young core to carry the load. Jonathan Kuminga led the charge with 23 markers, showcasing his athleticism and aggressiveness on offense. Veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green chipped in 14 points each, but the absence of Curry’s leadership and shooting was clearly felt.

As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.

A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.

When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.

Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.

As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.

Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.

But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.

In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.

Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.

Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.

He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.

The New York Knicks continued their impressive postseason run with another big win over the Boston Celtics, 121-113, at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Tuesday, May 13 (Philippine time).

With the victory, the Knicks are now just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.

Jalen Brunson once again played the role of floor general and go-to scorer, putting up an all-around masterclass with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. The Knicks star also knocked down four of his eight attempts from three-point range, fueling the team’s comeback effort after an early deficit.

Brunson didn’t have to do it alone. New York showed its depth, with three other players stepping up to provide key scoring support. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 23 markers, while OG Anunoby added 20. Towns also pulled down 11 boards, handed out a dime, and registered a block to cap off a strong two-way performance.

In the continuation of our Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on the first-ever four-time Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association — and arguably the league’s greatest of all time — the legendary “El Presidente,” Ramon Fernandez.

Known for his elegant hook shot and unparalleled court vision, Fernandez took the league by storm with MVP wins in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988. Beyond individual accolades, he secured 19 championship titles in an illustrious career that spanned two decades.

Born on October 3, 1953, in Maasin, Leyte, Fernandez stood 6-foot-4 and played the center/forward position, but his game defied traditional roles. With the ball-handling of a guard and the mind of a tactician, he was the prototype of the modern big man — long before the game evolved to demand it.

Fernandez began his basketball journey at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. In 1972, he played for the San Miguel Braves in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA), then moved to the newly formed Komatsu Komets, who later became the iconic Toyota Comets.

By 1975, Toyota had joined the PBA as one of its nine founding teams, and Fernandez quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars. Alongside Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnáiz, he led Toyota to nine championships between 1975 and 1983. His 1982 MVP was earned during this era, solidifying his status as the team’s anchor.

After Toyota disbanded in 1984, Fernandez joined Beer Hausen and claimed his second MVP that same year. But the headlines weren’t just about basketball — his growing rift with former teammate Jaworski became one of the PBA’s most talked-about rivalries. Still, Fernandez continued to shine on the court, even though his team never made it to the top.

A midseason trade in 1985 sent him to Tanduay in exchange for another elite big man, Abet Guidaben. Teaming up with veterans and talented imports, Fernandez led Tanduay to three championships and secured his third MVP in 1986.

When Tanduay disbanded before the 1988 season, Purefoods acquired the franchise. Fernandez served briefly as a playing coach, guiding a young core that included Jerry Codiñera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Alvin Patrimonio. He led the team to the finals in the 1988 Open Conference but eventually handed off coaching duties mid-season. A controversial benching in the All-Filipino Finals that year led to a blockbuster trade — Fernandez to San Miguel, in exchange once again for Guidaben.

With San Miguel, Fernandez found the perfect ending chapter to his career. He won the 1988 Reinforced Conference, earned his fourth MVP, and played a key role in the Beermen’s historic 1989 Grand Slam. That same year, in the All-Star Game, he and Jaworski finally buried the hatchet with a handshake at center court — a moment orchestrated by coach Baby Dalupan that symbolized closure and mutual respect.

The New York Knicks pulled off another stunner against the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semi-Final Series on Thursday, May 8 (PH time), at TD Garden, escaping with a nail-biting 91-90 win and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a monster performance, finishing with a double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Knicks’ charge. He was ably supported by Josh Hart, who came up big with 23 markers, six rebounds, three assists, and two rejections. Jalen Brunson also played a key role with 17 points, three boards, seven dimes, and a crucial block down the stretch.

But the defining moment of the game came on the defensive end. With the Celtics threatening to steal the game in the dying seconds, it was Mikal Bridges who stepped up—his lockdown defense on Jayson Tatum forced a missed shot and a turnover in the closing seconds, effectively sealing the victory for New York. The gritty sequence underscored the Knicks’ resilience and poise under pressure.

On the Celtics’ side, Derrick White continued his consistent playoff form, leading his team with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown also added 20 markers and six boards, providing much-needed firepower. Jayson Tatum posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, alongside five assists, three steals, and a block—but his late-game fumble overshadowed what could have been a heroic outing.

Boston came out firing early, racing to a 24-13 lead after the first quarter and maintaining a seven-point cushion at halftime. The Celtics extended the gap to 10 heading into the final frame after another strong third-quarter showing.

But the Knicks refused to go away quietly. New York stormed back with a 30-17 run in the fourth quarter, flipping the script and silencing the TD Garden crowd. Their defensive grit, clutch execution, and balanced scoring proved too much for the Celtics, who now face the daunting task of stealing a win on the road to keep their title hopes alive.

As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring former PBA Most Valuable Players, let’s take a closer look at the storied career of Philip Cezar—widely regarded as the league’s “Tapal King.”

Cezar began his PBA journey in the league’s inaugural season in 1975, suiting up for the iconic Crispa Redmanizers. He stayed with the team until it disbanded in 1984. After his Crispa years, he went on to play for Shell (1985–1986), Great Taste/Presto (1987–1988), and eventually wrapped up his 17-season career with Añejo/Ginebra (1989–1991).

Over nearly two decades in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, Cezar compiled career averages of 13.16 points, 6.36 rebounds, 3.41 assists, 0.65 steals, and 1.49 blocks per game. Along with those solid numbers came 15 PBA championships, highlighted by two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1983.

Standing at 6’3”, Cezar wasn’t the tallest big man on the floor—but he more than made up for it with his elite shot-blocking instincts, high basketball IQ, and natural leadership. His trademark “umbrella defense,” where he used both arms to disrupt and alter shots, became one of the most iconic defensive moves in league history.

Cezar’s individual accolades include seven Mythical First Team selections, two Mythical Second Team nods, and four All-Defensive Team honors. In 2000, he was named one of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players—a list later expanded into the PBA’s 50 Greatest. He was also inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

After hanging up his sneakers, Cezar transitioned to coaching, winning a championship in 1997 as an assistant coach with Ginebra. He later added two more titles as head coach in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 2000 and 2001.

Cezar also represented the country internationally, playing for the RP Youth Team in 1972 and competing in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran.

Outside of basketball, the “Tapal King” also served in public office, holding the position of vice mayor of San Juan from 1992 to 2001.

The Golden State Warriors took Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-88, on Wednesday, May 7 (PH time) at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Despite losing Stephen Curry early in the second quarter due to a hamstring injury, the Warriors found a way to grind out a crucial road win. Curry never returned to the game, and his status for Game 2 remains uncertain, depending on the severity of the injury.

With their superstar sidelined, the Warriors leaned on the trio of Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green to step up and deliver.

Hield finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal, providing consistent scoring throughout the contest. Butler nearly had a triple-double with 20 markers, 11 boards, eight dimes, and two deflections, leading by example on both ends of the floor. Green also rose to the occasion, ending up with 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals in a strong all-around performance.

Tyrese Haliburton completed the Indiana Pacers’ thrilling comeback by knocking down a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, lifting his team to a dramatic 120-119 win over the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 7 (PH time) at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

Haliburton finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a block in a well-rounded performance that proved vital in helping Indiana take a commanding 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. The All-Star guard shot a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, with his final triple sealing the game and silencing the Cleveland crowd.

Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner provided strong offensive support, scoring 23 markers apiece to keep the Pacers within striking distance throughout the night. Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing Indiana's balanced scoring attack.