Pacers end 25-year drought, return to NBA Finals big stage
After more than two decades of waiting, the Indiana Pacers are heading back to the NBA Finals.
The Pacers punched their ticket to the league’s grandest stage on Sunday, May 6 (Philippine time), with a dominant 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The win sealed the series, 4-2, marking Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
Veteran forward Pascal Siakam led the charge with a masterful all-around performance, pouring in a game-high 31 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks. His consistent impact on both ends of the floor earned him the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player honors.
Tyrese Haliburton, the heart and soul of Indiana’s offense, also delivered when it mattered most. The All-Star guard tallied a double-double with 21 markers and 13 dimes, while adding six rebounds, three deflections, and a block in a statement performance that showcased his growth as a franchise cornerstone.
Indiana’s victory was a testament to their depth and cohesion. Six Pacers scored in double figures, underlining their balanced offensive attack. Obi Toppin chipped in 18 points off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard added 14 markers. Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant each contributed 11 points, and Aaron Nesmith rounded out the effort with 10.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with the Pacers holding a narrow 58-54 lead at halftime. But Indiana broke the game wide open in the third quarter, outscoring New York 34-23 and never looking back. The Knicks, despite a valiant effort, were unable to mount a comeback against the relentless pace and execution of the Pacers.
Up next, Indiana will battle the rising Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. The championship series tips off on June 6 at 8:30 AM (PH time) at the Paycom Center in OKC. With both teams boasting youth, athleticism, and momentum, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
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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).