Timberwolves one win away from the Western Conference Finals

13 May, 2025
Photo Courtesy: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Libert Ong (@braveheartkid)

Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for a powerful one-two punch to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, May 13 (PH time) at the Chase Center. Randle led the way with 31 points, while Edwards followed closely with 30 as the Timberwolves seized a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference Semifinal series.

Minnesota’s victory wasn’t just about their stars. Jaden McDaniels made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, posting a solid double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists, a steal, and a block in a well-rounded performance that provided crucial support for the Wolves’ playoff push.

The Warriors, still without their franchise centerpiece Stephen Curry due to injury, leaned on their young core to carry the load. Jonathan Kuminga led the charge with 23 markers, showcasing his athleticism and aggressiveness on offense. Veterans Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green chipped in 14 points each, but the absence of Curry’s leadership and shooting was clearly felt.

The first half saw both teams battling toe-to-toe. Golden State executed well in the early going and managed to take a narrow two-point lead into halftime, capitalizing on transition opportunities and strong defensive stops.

But the momentum dramatically shifted in the third quarter. The Timberwolves erupted for a massive 39-17 run. Randle and Edwards were relentless, while Minnesota’s defense tightened up to stifle Golden State’s rhythm.

The Warriors, however, showed resilience in the final period. They clawed their way back into the game with timely baskets and defensive stops, cutting what was once a double-digit deficit down to just a few possessions. But the Timberwolves held their ground, making clutch plays down the stretch to fend off the comeback and secure the win in front of their home crowd.

With the series now at 3-1 in favor of Minnesota, the Timberwolves have a golden opportunity to close things out in Game 5. The series shifts back to the Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, May 15 (PH time), where the Warriors will fight to keep their season alive, while the Wolves look to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

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Player Profile Series: Abet Guidaben – PBA Legend, 2 Slams

As we continue our Player Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on one of the most quietly dominant figures in Philippine basketball history — Alberto “Abet” Guidaben.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and hailing from Mambajao, Camiguin, Guidaben carved out a legendary career that spanned two decades. Born on September 14, 1952, he would go on to become a 16-time PBA champion, two-time MVP (1983 and 1987), and one of the league’s most consistent frontcourt forces during its golden era.

A product of the Agoho Pirates and the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Guidaben’s rise began with the Crispa squad in the MICAA in 1973. A year later, he represented the Philippines at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, playing alongside legends like Robert Jaworski.

When the PBA launched in 1975, Guidaben was part of the storied Crispa Redmanizers, initially playing behind stars like Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, and Bogs Adornado. But over time, he emerged from the shadows — transforming from a reliable rebounder into one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the league.

Known for his smooth footwork, soft perimeter touch, and signature off-the-glass jumpers, Guidaben also brought an early form of athleticism to the PBA — even dunking during an era when it was rarely seen. He was a vital contributor to Crispa’s Grand Slam seasons in 1976 and 1983, with the latter also earning him his first MVP award.

As he matured into a franchise centerpiece, Guidaben’s rivalry with fellow big man Ramon Fernandez became one of the most iconic in league history. Their careers were so closely intertwined that they were traded for each other twice — first in 1985, between Tanduay and Manila Beer, and again in 1988, when Purefoods acquired Fernandez from San Miguel in exchange for Guidaben.

Over the course of his 20-year PBA career, Guidaben amassed accolades that include five Mythical Team selections, three All-Star appearances, recognition as one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 2000, and induction into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2007.

But even after basketball, Guidaben's story of perseverance continued off the court.

In 2010, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a serious neuromuscular illness that forced him into the ICU for eight days. Through steroid treatment, he survived the life-threatening condition. Just two years later, in 2012, he suffered two strokes within one week and was diagnosed with meningitis, once again requiring intensive care.

Despite these terrifying health scares, Guidaben fought his way back — showing the same quiet resilience that defined his playing days.

Alberto Guidaben didn’t just overcome opponents on the hardwood — he overcame life’s biggest challenges with the same calm strength and steady determination.

He didn’t need the spotlight to be great. He simply was.

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Knicks top Celtics again, one win away from East Finals

The New York Knicks continued their impressive postseason run with another big win over the Boston Celtics, 121-113, at Madison Square Garden to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Tuesday, May 13 (Philippine time).

With the victory, the Knicks are now just one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.

Jalen Brunson once again played the role of floor general and go-to scorer, putting up an all-around masterclass with 39 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. The Knicks star also knocked down four of his eight attempts from three-point range, fueling the team’s comeback effort after an early deficit.

Brunson didn’t have to do it alone. New York showed its depth, with three other players stepping up to provide key scoring support. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 23 markers, while OG Anunoby added 20. Towns also pulled down 11 boards, handed out a dime, and registered a block to cap off a strong two-way performance.

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Player Profile Series: The Great “El Presidente” Ramon Fernandez

In the continuation of our Profile Series, we shine the spotlight on the first-ever four-time Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association — and arguably the league’s greatest of all time — the legendary “El Presidente,” Ramon Fernandez.

Known for his elegant hook shot and unparalleled court vision, Fernandez took the league by storm with MVP wins in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988. Beyond individual accolades, he secured 19 championship titles in an illustrious career that spanned two decades.

Born on October 3, 1953, in Maasin, Leyte, Fernandez stood 6-foot-4 and played the center/forward position, but his game defied traditional roles. With the ball-handling of a guard and the mind of a tactician, he was the prototype of the modern big man — long before the game evolved to demand it.

Fernandez began his basketball journey at the University of San Carlos in Cebu. In 1972, he played for the San Miguel Braves in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA), then moved to the newly formed Komatsu Komets, who later became the iconic Toyota Comets.

By 1975, Toyota had joined the PBA as one of its nine founding teams, and Fernandez quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars. Alongside Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnáiz, he led Toyota to nine championships between 1975 and 1983. His 1982 MVP was earned during this era, solidifying his status as the team’s anchor.

After Toyota disbanded in 1984, Fernandez joined Beer Hausen and claimed his second MVP that same year. But the headlines weren’t just about basketball — his growing rift with former teammate Jaworski became one of the PBA’s most talked-about rivalries. Still, Fernandez continued to shine on the court, even though his team never made it to the top.

A midseason trade in 1985 sent him to Tanduay in exchange for another elite big man, Abet Guidaben. Teaming up with veterans and talented imports, Fernandez led Tanduay to three championships and secured his third MVP in 1986.

When Tanduay disbanded before the 1988 season, Purefoods acquired the franchise. Fernandez served briefly as a playing coach, guiding a young core that included Jerry Codiñera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Alvin Patrimonio. He led the team to the finals in the 1988 Open Conference but eventually handed off coaching duties mid-season. A controversial benching in the All-Filipino Finals that year led to a blockbuster trade — Fernandez to San Miguel, in exchange once again for Guidaben.

With San Miguel, Fernandez found the perfect ending chapter to his career. He won the 1988 Reinforced Conference, earned his fourth MVP, and played a key role in the Beermen’s historic 1989 Grand Slam. That same year, in the All-Star Game, he and Jaworski finally buried the hatchet with a handshake at center court — a moment orchestrated by coach Baby Dalupan that symbolized closure and mutual respect.

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