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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.

1979 PBA Most Valuable Player | “The Fortune Cookie”

When you talk about pioneers and pure scorers in Philippine basketball, one name always comes up—Fortunato "Atoy" Co, also known as "The Fortune Cookie."

The nickname, a play on his first name “Fortunato,” was popularized by PBA commentators and fans not just because it sounded catchy—but because he delivered results, night in and night out, like a sweet fortune waiting to happen. When Crispa needed a bucket, Co was the guy who cracked the code.

Born on October 15, 1951, in Pasig City, Atoy Co was already making noise before the PBA even existed. But it was in 1975, during the PBA’s inaugural season, that he formally entered the pro scene as part of the Crispa Redmanizers. And he didn’t disappoint. On April 22, in his first-ever pro game, Co dropped 34 points, leading Crispa to its first franchise win after starting 0-3.

He would go on to become a vital part of Crispa’s dynasty, playing from 1975 to 1984 and helping steer the team to two Grand Slams. In 1976, he was honored with the All-Filipino Sports Award for Basketball, further cementing his place among the league’s elite.

When Crispa disbanded, Co played briefly for Manila Beer (1985) and later joined Great Taste/Presto Ice Cream in 1987 and 1988, before calling it a career.

Across 13 PBA seasons, Atoy Co racked up 15 championships, one MVP award (1979), and a scoring title in the same year. He was a 9-time Mythical First Team member, known for his smooth jumpers, crowd-pleasing style, and unshakable confidence on the floor.

In 2000, he was rightfully honored as one of the 25 Greatest Players in PBA History, a list that eventually expanded to 50—and he was already part of that elite company from day one.

But Atoy Co’s basketball story didn’t end with retirement.

He transitioned into coaching, leading Crispa 400 in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) to two championships. Then, from 2012 to 2018, he returned to his roots and coached the Mapua Cardinals, the same school where his basketball journey began.

Off the court, “The Fortune Cookie” became a familiar face on screen—serving as a co-host for the noontime show Student Canteen on RPN, and acting alongside big names like Phillip Salvador in action flicks such as Delima Gang (1989). He built a second career in showbiz, often cast in solid supporting roles both in film and television.

Then came politics. Atoy served Pasig City as a councilor from 1998 to 2007, and made a successful comeback in 2010, once again winning the trust of his constituents.

Today, he continues to serve the sport as the first-ever Commissioner of the UNTV Cup, using his influence and experience to support basketball-driven public service.

From hardwood legend to onscreen presence, from public servant to league commissioner—Atoy Co, The Fortune Cookie, remains a living example of longevity, versatility, and legacy.

Aaron Gordon rose to the moment once again.

With the game hanging in the balance and the clock winding down, Gordon knocked down a cold-blooded three-pointer that gave the Denver Nuggets a dramatic 121-119 win over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semi-Final series on Tuesday, May 6 (PH time), at the Paycom Center.

Gordon finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds, but it was that one final shot that mattered most—silencing the home crowd and stealing the series opener for the defending champs.

His game-winner capped off a night where Nikola Jokic did everything—and then some. The two-time MVP delivered an outstanding performance of 42 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks. It was a masterclass in control, composure, and complete dominance on both ends.

Jamal Murray also held the fort with 21 markers, six boards, and six dimes, while Russell Westbrook turned back the clock with 18 points off the bench, bringing a much-needed spark in the second half.

The New York Knicks clawed their way back from a 16-point halftime hole, forcing overtime and eventually gutting out a 108-105 victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals on Tuesday, May 6 (PH time), at TD Garden.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby carried the load for the Knicks, dropping 29 points apiece in a gritty all-around performance. Brunson also chipped in four rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Anunoby added four boards, three dimes, and a crucial deflection down the stretch.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart stepped up big with double-doubles of their own—Towns finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Hart matching him with 14 markers and 11 boards, adding hustle plays that didn’t show on the stat sheet but shifted momentum. Off the bench, Miles McBride made the most of his minutes, firing 11 points and hauling in two rebounds in just 18 minutes of action.

Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.

Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.

In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.

His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.

When Toyota disbanded in 1984, it paved the way for Jaworski to establish the legendary “Never-Say-Die” Ginebra squad. From that point until his retirement in 1998, he became the face of the franchise. With his charisma, toughness, and leadership, Ginebra evolved into the most beloved basketball team in the country.

Jaworski captured a total of 13 PBA championships in his illustrious career. But even more impressive was his longevity—a 23-year playing career that stood unmatched for decades until it was finally tied by Asi Taulava in 2022.

Not only did he play that long, but he also coached while playing—starting from the moment he wore the Ginebra jersey.

In that dual role, he mentored countless players, including Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Marlo Aquino, Bal David, Chito Loyzaga, and many more.

Jaworski remained at the helm of Ginebra until April 1998, when he formally announced his bid for the Philippine Senate. That decision marked the end of a legendary coaching run and the start of a new chapter in public service. In the May elections that year, he finished 8th overall—earning a Senate seat and joining a select group of former athletes-turned-lawmakers, alongside Ambrosio Padilla and Freddie Webb. Ramon Fernandez also ran for Senate in 1995 but finished 19th, falling short of election.

Following his Senate proclamation, Jaworski stepped back from basketball, entrusting coaching duties to longtime deputy Quirino "Rino" Salazar. But in 1999, tensions arose when Ginebra team owner Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. promoted Allan Caidic to playing assistant coach—reportedly without Jaworski’s knowledge. Feeling disrespected and blindsided, the Big J resigned, officially ending his tenure with Ginebra. Salazar continued briefly before handing over the reins to Caidic upon migrating to Alaska.

Jaworski’s final PBA appearance as a player came during Game 6 of the 1997 All-Filipino Cup Finals on May 25, 1997. Though he didn’t score and Ginebra fell to the Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys, it was a moment of history—he walked off the court as the oldest player to play in the PBA at age 50. He even held the world record as the oldest professional basketball player until 2015, when it was broken by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Khalaf Al-Muwallad.

Beyond the stats and accolades, Jaworski’s presence in the PBA was—and still is—unmatched. He wasn’t just the league’s most popular player. He was its heart, its grit, its soul. A pillar of Philippine basketball’s golden era.

On May 30, 2003, 23 years after the Crispa-Toyota rivalry ended, Jaworski appeared in a reunion game at the Araneta Coliseum alongside fellow legends from both squads. Toyota edged Crispa, 65–62, in that nostalgic throwback match.

Outside the PBA and politics, the Big J also proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage. He was part of the national team that won gold at the 1967 FIBA Asia Championship in Seoul, took bronze in 1969 (Bangkok), silver in 1971 (Tokyo), and reclaimed gold on home soil in Manila in 1973.

In 1990, he returned to the international spotlight—this time as head coach—leading the Philippine team in the Asian Games held in Beijing.

With all the impact he made on and off the court, there's no question: Robert “Sonny” Jaworski is truly a living legend.

On Sunday, May 4, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal, the TNT Tropang 5G finally found their groove after dropping their first three outings, while the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots continued to dominate the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, capturing their fifth straight victory.

TNT’s 89-84 upset over the San Miguel Beermen was less about precision and more about pride.

“We're a different team now,” admitted TNT head coach Chot Reyes, acknowledging the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson—due to the All-Filipino format—and team leader Jayson Castro, who remains out with an injury. “We said, ‘Let’s write our own story.’ This win is just the first chapter.”

Calvin Oftana led the charge with 23 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, delivering both the numbers and the intangibles.

In the second game, Magnolia flexed its depth and dominance, steamrolling Terrafirma, 127-94, to remain the only unbeaten team at 5-0.

Zavier Lucero once again led the Hotshots with 17 points and nine rebounds.

The new system employed by head coach Chito Victolero continues to pay dividends. He utilized all 15 players, each contributing at least three points in the win.

“We’re happy with the start, but we know the job’s not done,” said Victolero, whose team is clearly playing with a renewed sense of urgency after lackluster performances in the season’s earlier conferences.

In the second quarter, Magnolia ambushed Terrafirma with a stunning 27-2 run that turned a close game into a blowout, exposing Terrafirma’s struggles on the glass and in transition. The Hotshots out-rebounded the Dyip 66-27 and limited them to just four field goals in that period. The statistical gaps were telling: +30 in inside points, +22 in second-chance scoring, and a +10 advantage in turnover conversions.

Meanwhile, TNT’s victory was a product of grit rather than dominance. Despite squandering an 11-point lead, they held firm in the clutch. Simon Enciso, a former Beerman, hit three triples—including a dagger late in the fourth—while RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac delivered timely buckets.

Enciso’s performance—efficient and error-free—symbolized TNT’s renewed discipline: not flashy, but effective.

San Miguel leaned on CJ Perez’s 26 points and a double-double from June Mar Fajardo, but a lack of consistent support and defensive lapses down the stretch proved costly.

Terrafirma, now at 1-4, was once again undone by poor execution and a weak interior presence. Despite solid showings from Louie Sangalang (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Stanley Pringle (17 points), they couldn’t match Magnolia’s tempo and cohesion.

In the bigger picture, Magnolia’s ascent reflects a team finally aligning execution with expectation, while TNT’s breakthrough may serve as a pivotal moment—not just in the standings, but in rediscovering their identity.

In a league where momentum is fleeting and reputations are forged in the crucible of conference play, both wins meant more than just numbers. For one team, it was confirmation. For the other, it was resurrection.

Buddy Hield exploded for 33 points, along with three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks to power the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets, 103-89, in a do-or-die Game 7 on Monday, May 5 (Philippine time) at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The sharpshooting guard was locked in all night, hitting 12 of his 15 attempts from the field, including a blistering 9-of-11 from downtown, providing the offensive spark the Warriors needed to close out the series.

Backed by Hield’s hot hand, Golden State came out with urgency and intensity, determined not to let their early 3-1 series lead slip away. Veterans Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler also rose to the occasion, delivering solid all-around performances to help secure the Warriors' place in the second round.

Curry tallied 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks — showcasing his leadership on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Butler brought his signature toughness and poise, contributing 20 markers, eight boards, seven dimes, and one deflection in the clutch.

Draymond Green, often the Warriors’ defensive anchor, made his presence felt on offense as well. He chipped in 16 markers while also collecting six boards, handing out five dimes, recording one deflection, and swatting away two shots — a complete effort that proved vital to the Warriors’ Game 7 success.

A Quiet Legend in the Making

As we continue our Player Profile series highlighting the icons of Philippine basketball, we now shine the spotlight on one of the league’s most underrated yet highly decorated players—Alfredo “Freddie” Hubalde, the 1977 PBA Most Valuable Player. Known as a silent operator, Hubalde built a legacy not through fanfare but through consistent excellence, smart plays, and championship-caliber performance across 16 seasons in the PBA.

Basic Information

• Full Name: Alfredo Hubalde
• Nickname: Freddie
• Date of Birth: September 14, 1953
• Height: 6’1”
• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Jersey Number: 10

Career Timeline

• 1975–1984: Crispa Redmanizers
• 1985–1987: Tanduay Rhum Makers
• 1988: Purefoods Hotdogs
• 1988–1989: Formula Shell
• 1990: Añejo Rhum 65

Achievements & Honors

• PBA pioneer
• 1977 PBA Most Valuable Player
• 16 PBA Championships (13 with Crispa, 3 with Tanduay)
• 2× Grand Slam Champion (1976, 1983)
• 3× PBA Mythical First Team
• Named to the PBA’s 25, 40, and 50 Greatest Players lists
• 1973 NCAA Most Valuable Player (Mapúa Red Cardinals)
• 1974 Asian Youth Championship Gold Medalist (Philippines)

Before turning professional, Hubalde made waves as a standout for the Mapúa Red Cardinals, where he was named NCAA Most Valuable Player in 1973. The following year, he helped the national youth team capture gold in the 1974 Asian Youth Championship, signaling his potential on a bigger stage.

His professional career officially began in 1975 as one of the founding players of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), joining the powerhouse Crispa Redmanizers. He quickly proved himself as a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. Though he played in the shadows of stars like Bogs Adornado and Atoy Co, Hubalde's quiet yet consistent presence made him indispensable to Crispa's success.

In 1977, following back-to-back MVP wins by Adornado, Hubalde stepped into the spotlight by capturing the league’s highest individual honor—the PBA Most Valuable Player award. That same year, he was also named to the Mythical First Team, affirming his place among the PBA’s elite.

The Indiana Pacers completed their first-round NBA playoff run against the Milwaukee Bucks with a thrilling 119–118 overtime win in Game 5 of their series on Wednesday, April 30 (Philippine time), at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Tyrese Haliburton led the charge for the Pacers with 26 points, including a game-winning lay-up with 1.3 seconds left in overtime. He also tallied five rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and three blocks in 42 minutes of play to cap off his heroic performance.

He was followed by Myles Turner, who added 21 markers and nine boards, and Aaron Nesmith, who registered a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in over 40 minutes of action on the hardwood.

Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively, while T.J. McConnell provided a spark off the bench with 18 markers to help seal the win.

Milwaukee appeared dominant early, building a 30–13 lead by the end of the first quarter. But Indiana clawed back in the second and third canto to tie the score entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter turned into another deadlock, leading to overtime, where the Pacers edged the Bucks by one point just before the buzzer—clinching the series and setting up a second-round clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But the drama didn’t end there, as a commotion erupted during the postgame handshakes when Haliburton and his father got into a heated exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

As we kick off our Player Profile series highlighting the pioneers and icons of Philippine basketball, we begin with a name synonymous with scoring brilliance and resilience—William “Bogs” Adornado.

• Name: William Adornado
• Nickname: Bogs
• Birthdate: May 26, 1951
• Hometown: Batad, Ilo-Ilo
• Height: 6’2”
• Jersey numbers: 
• Position: Small Forward
• Achievements:
  • 1x UAAP champion (UST and UE co-champions)
  • 1970 Asian Youth Basketball Championship (champion)
  • 1971 Asian Basketball Confederation (2nd place)
  • 5x MICAA Champion (1971-72 All-Filipino, 1974 MICAA Triple-crown, )
  • 1973 FIBA Asia Cup MVP (Formerly ABC Championship)
  • 1973 Basketball Player of the Year 
  • 1973 ABC Championships (Gold)
  • 1974 Dream Player of the Game (Now All-Star game MVP) PBA All-Star Game
  • 7x PBA Mythical First Team (1975–76, 1980–85)
  • 1x PBA Mythical First Team (1984)
  • 1975 PBA All-Star 'Dream Player of the Game' (now All-Star game MVP)
  • 5× PBA Scoring Champion: 1975 (26.96 ppg), 1976 (25.66 ppg), 1980 (24.00 ppg), 1981 (26.20 ppg), 1982 (27.40 ppg)
  • 10x PBA Champion (7 Crispa, 1 U/tex, 2 GTC)
  • 3x PBA Most Valuable Player (1975, 1976, 1981)
  • 2x PBA Sportmanship Awardee (1973, 1976)
  • Member: PBA 25/40/50 Greatest Players of All-time
  • Member: 5,000 and 10,000 point club (PBA)
  • Member: 1976 Crispa Grand Slam Team (PBA)
  • PBA Hall of Fame class of 2005

The Golden State Warriors took a commanding 3–1 lead in their first-round NBA Playoff series after edging the Houston Rockets, 109–106, on Tuesday, April 29 (Philippine time) at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

Jimmy Butler, who missed the previous game due to a hip contusion, returned with authority and led the Warriors with 27 points, five rebounds, six assists, and a block. He was perfect from the free throw line, going 12-of-12 — including the clutch final five that sealed the win for Golden State.

Brandin Podziemski stepped up with 26 markers, five boards, five dimes, two deflections, and one rejection to help power the Warriors to victory. Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield chipped in 17 and 15 points, respectively.

The Warriors’ sharp shooting from the charity stripe proved crucial, finishing 20-of-22 (90.9%). In contrast, the Rockets struggled from the line, converting only 19-of-31 (61.3%), despite Alperen Sengun going 7-of-10 en route to a game-high 31 points. Sengun also tallied 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a strong all-around performance.

Fred VanVleet was also on fire for Houston, dropping 25 markers behind an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc. He added two boards and six dimes in another solid outing.

It was a masterclass from the Cleveland Cavaliers as they completed a commanding sweep of the Miami Heat, 138–83, in Game 4 of their first-round series on Tuesday, April 29 (Philippine time) at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

From the opening tip, the Cavaliers left no doubt about their intentions. They raced off to a scorching 43–17 start in the first quarter, setting the tone early with stifling defense and efficient offense. Cleveland never looked back, stretching their lead to a dominant 72–33 cushion at halftime, completely smothering Miami’s chances of a comeback.

Leading the charge was Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 22 points and dished out five assists, orchestrating the Cavaliers' offense with pace and precision. Evan Mobley showcased his two-way prowess, delivering 17 markers and seven boards along with one assist, one steal, and two rejections that anchored Cleveland’s defense.

In the paint, Jarrett Allen dominated with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while also handing out two dimes and recording an impressive six deflections that disrupted the Heat's offensive rhythm.

The Cavaliers’ second unit kept the energy high throughout the night. De’Andre Hunter sparked the bench mob with 18 points, while Ty Jerome followed closely with 17 points of his own. Javonte Green chipped in 11 points, ensuring that there was no drop-off whenever the starters rested.

Cleveland’s momentum continued into the third quarter, outscoring Miami 39–30 to build a commanding 48-point lead heading into the final frame. They finished strong with a 27–20 fourth-quarter performance, sealing the emphatic 55-point victory and eliminating the Heat from playoff contention.

The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves tightened their grip on their series, each securing crucial third wins in thrilling fashion! Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers flexed their dominance over the Milwaukee Bucks, and the defending champion Boston Celtics kept their crown defense alive with a strong victory against the Orlando Magic. All four teams now hold commanding 3-1 leads.

The Knicks edged out the Pistons, 94-93, in a nail-biter in Detroit. Jalen Brunson once again proved he’s built for the big stage, dropping 32 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added muscle inside, posting 27 markers, nine boards, and one dime.

New York’s clutch victory spoiled Cade Cunningham’s heroic effort, as the Pistons star notched a monster triple-double — 25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks — in 42 minutes of relentless action.

Over in Los Angeles, the Timberwolves erupted late, powering past the Lakers for a thrilling 116-113 win.

Anthony Edwards exploded for 43 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, delivering a superstar performance. Julius Randle backed him up with 25 markers, seven boards, and three dimes, while Jaden McDaniels added a key double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Minnesota’s clutch rally overshadowed big games from the Lakers' side: Luka Doncic tallied 38 points, LeBron James poured in 27 markers, 12 boards, and eight dimes, Rui Hachimura scored 23, and Austin Reaves contributed 17 in a strong but ultimately heartbreaking effort.

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed their first-round campaign of the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 in their 1-vs-8 series.

It was a close Game 4 before the Thunder pulled off the 117-115 victory and completed the domination on April 27, Sunday (Philippine time) at the FedExForum in Memphis.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with his stellar performance of 38 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. He also shot 54.2% from the field (13/24) and 84.6% from the stripe (11/13).

Jalen Williams contributed 23 markers, four boards, and five assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein had a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, on top of his three assists and four steals. Chet Holmgren also added 11 markers, two boards, one dime, two deflections, and four rejections.

With the win, OKC became the first team to reach the second round and will now await the victors of the Denver Nuggets–Los Angeles Clippers series for their Western Conference semi-finals match-up.

On the other side, the Grizzlies, who missed Ja Morant due to a left hip injury he suffered in Game 3, relied on Scottie Pippen Jr., Desmond Bane, and Santi Aldama to lead their team in their elimination game.

Pippen finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Bane and Aldama contributed 23 apiece. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. helped with 12 and 11, respectively, in trying to carry their team to survival.

The East's top-seeded teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, got the better of their lower-ranked opponents—the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, respectively—to take 2-0 leads in their first-round matchups of the NBA Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets bounced back from their Game 1 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, April 24 (Philippine time).

The Cavaliers earned a 121-112 victory behind the heroics of their starters—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus.

Mitchell tallied 30 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal, while Garland added 21 markers, two boards, and nine dimes. Mobley chipped in 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal, and Strus finished with 14 markers, one board, six dimes, and two deflections.

De’Andre Hunter also contributed off the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal.

The Cavaliers’ win overshadowed the strong performances from Heat stars Tyler Herro, who had a game-high 33 points along with six rebounds and five assists, and Bam Adebayo, who nearly notched a triple-double with 11 markers, 14 boards, and nine dimes.

Meanwhile, the defending champion Celtics pulled away in the third quarter and held their lead until the final buzzer, claiming a 109-100 win over the Magic.

Jaylen Brown led Boston with a monster performance of 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered a forehead cut after catching an elbow from Goga Bitadze, recorded a double-double with 20 markers and 10 boards, on top of his two steals and two blocks.

Derrick White and Jrue Holiday also scored in double figures with 17 and 11 points, respectively, while Payton Pritchard added 14 off the bench.

For the Magic, Paolo Banchero led the way with 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven steals. Franz Wagner followed with 25 markers, four boards, four dimes, and two deflections, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 16 points, eight rebounds, and one assist.