Pacers reach second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals
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.
On the other side, Donovan Mitchell did everything he could to try and keep the Cavaliers’ season alive. The All-Star guard finished with 35 points, along with nine rebounds, four steals, an assist, and a block. He was relentless on both ends of the floor, but the lack of consistent help proved costly. Evan Mobley recorded a strong outing with 24 markers and 11 boards, while Darius Garland added 11 points. De’Andre Hunter chipped in 12 off the bench, but the Cavaliers couldn’t generate enough stops or sustain their early momentum.
Cleveland came out strong, dominating the opening quarter and ending it with a 31-19 lead, giving hope for a Game 6. However, Indiana turned the tide in the second and third periods, erupting for 33 points in each frame to take control of the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Pacers held an 85-76 lead. Both teams scored 29 points apiece in the fourth, allowing Indiana to maintain their cushion and seal the deal.
With the win, the Pacers await the winner of the New York Knicks–Boston Celtics series in the East Finals. Game 5 of that matchup is set for tomorrow at 7 AM (PH time), where the Knicks hold a commanding 3-1 lead and will look to close out the series.
Indiana continues to ride a wave of momentum, with their offense clicking at the right time and their core players stepping up under pressure. If they keep this level of play, they’ll be a serious threat to reach the NBA Finals.
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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).