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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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).