Timberwolves knockout Warriors in five, reach next round
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.
Minnesota’s starting unit came ready to play, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Rudy Gobert provided his usual interior presence with 17 points and eight rebounds. Veteran floor general Mike Conley added 16 markers, six boards, eight assists, and a steal, steering the offense with poise and precision. Jaden Williams also made his presence felt with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and an impressive four steals, providing energy on both ends.
The Timberwolves also got valuable production off the bench, particularly from Donte DiVincenzo, who chipped in 13 markers, two rebounds, six assists, and four deflections, showcasing his hustle and versatility.
On the Warriors’ end, it was a valiant effort from their young core. Brandin Podziemski stepped up big time, pouring in 28 points to go with six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Jonathan Kuminga added 26 markers, three boards, and two deflections, trying to keep Golden State afloat in the do-or-die matchup.
From the opening tip, Minnesota set the tone. Fueled by a raucous home crowd, the Timberwolves jumped out to a 30-23 lead in the first quarter, then built on it with a 32-24 second period and a 31-25 third-quarter surge. Though the Warriors showed signs of life in the fourth and tried to claw back, the deficit proved too large to overcome.
With the victory, the Timberwolves now await their next challenge in the Eastern Conference Finals. They will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets–Oklahoma City Thunder series, where OKC currently holds a 3-2 edge and will have a chance to clinch the series tomorrow, May 16 (PH time).
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San Miguel Beermen made a statement in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals, against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 107-82, on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
CJ Perez spearheaded the charge with a near-complete performance, tallying 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block in almost 35 minutes of action. His energy sparked a game-changing 17-0 run in the fourth quarter that broke the game wide open for the Beermen.
Juami Tiongson added 14 points, while June Mar Fajardo turned in another monster game with 12 markers, a game-high 19 boards, three dimes, two deflections, and a rejection.
San Miguel’s well-balanced offense saw five players score in double figures, including Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial with 12 apiece, and Don Trollano who chipped in 11.
Game 5 is set for Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both powerhouse squads looking to seize control of the series and inch closer to a Finals berth.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back in style, securing a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals series with a 100-90 win over the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
RJ Abarrientos came up huge with a near triple-double performance—24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists—leading the Gin Kings back on top after dropping Game 2.
Jamie Malonzo added 20 points with four rebounds and two assists, while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 18 markers alongside seven boards, two dimes, three steals, and two blocks in a vintage two-way showing.
Ginebra also got key contributions from Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt. Thompson tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, while Holt recorded 10 points, seven boards, and a deflection.
For San Miguel, Don Trollano kept them in the fight with 22 points and three rebounds. JuneMar Fajardo posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, along with three dimes and a block.
CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz added 11 points apiece, while Juami Tiongson rounded out the Beermen’s double-digit scorers with 10.
Ginebra edged SMB 23-20 in the opening quarter, but the Beermen fought back strong in the second to take a 50-46 halftime lead. That momentum didn't last, as Ginebra responded with a commanding 25-14 third period to retake control at 71-64, then sealed the win with a 29-26 finish in the final frame.
“I’m just real proud of the guys for steadying themselves,” said head coach Tim Cone. “We figured a couple of things out. I felt we played with a really good tempo, and then RJ played tremendous down the stretch to keep them at bay.”
Game 4 is set for Wednesday, July 2, at 5:00 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters broke through in their best-of-seven semi-finals series in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, taking Game 3 in dominant fashion with a 107-86 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Anton Asistio powered the Elasto Painters with a personal playoff-high 24 points off the bench. He also tallied six assists and a rebound in just under 29 minutes of action, going 7-of-9 from the field, 4-of-5 from three-point range, and 2-of-3 from the four-point arc.
Caelan Tiongson added 16 markers, four rebounds, one assist, and a block, while Keith Datu delivered a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double performance to go with two assists and a rejection.
Leonard Santillan contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, while Andrei Caracut chipped in 10 points, four assists, and four steals, helping Rain or Shine build early momentum and keep control through most of the game.
TNT, on the other hand, struggled without RR Pogoy, Jayson Castro, and Rey Nambatac. Calvin Oftana led the Tropa with 16 points and eight rebounds but registered a -22 plus-minus while shooting just 1-of-6 from deep. Simon Enciso and Glenn Khobuntin added 12 points each.