Game 4 wins Bring Knicks, Wolves, Pacers, Celtics near 2nd round
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.
Meanwhile, the Pacers dominated wire-to-wire against the Bucks, pulling off a statement 129-103 win in Indiana.
Myles Turner led the way with 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four blocks, while Indiana’s starting five all contributed. Andrew Nembhard added 20 points, Tyrese Haliburton finished with 17, Aaron Nesmith had 14, and Pascal Siakam chipped in 12.
The Pacers' second unit didn’t miss a beat either, with T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Jarace Walker came off the bench to add 15, 13, and 12 points, respectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo fought hard for Milwaukee, posting 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. Kevin Porter Jr. added 23 points, while Bobby Portis finished with 14 — but it wasn't enough to stop the Pacers’ onslaught.
In Orlando, the Celtics showed why they’re still the team to beat, securing a gritty 107-98 win over the Magic.
Jayson Tatum took over with a monster stat line — 37 markers, 14 boards, three assists, and three deflections — while Jaylen Brown delivered a strong double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 19-5-1, and Derrick White filled the box score with 18-7-7 to complete Boston’s strong showing.
Paolo Banchero tried to rally the Magic, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, but the Celtics’ experience and firepower proved too much.
Tomorrow, April 29 (PH time), the Cleveland Cavaliers will aim for a first-round sweep against the Miami Heat, while the Golden State Warriors will look to seize a crucial 3-1 series lead against the Houston Rockets.
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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.