Cavs' Thomas asks Celtics to nix video tribute | ABS-CBN

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Cavs' Thomas asks Celtics to nix video tribute

Cavs' Thomas asks Celtics to nix video tribute

Field Level Media/Reuters

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Updated Jan 17, 2018 02:09 PM PHT

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas (3) walks off the court after being ejected in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

(UPDATED) Paul Pierce won't have to share the spotlight with Isaiah Thomas after all.

The Boston Celtics planned to honor former player Isaiah Thomas with a video tribute on Feb. 11 before taking the floor in a game against the point guard's new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Just one problem: That is the night the Celtics are retiring the jersey of Pierce, a team legend, and Pierce wasn't happy sharing the stage.

Pierce spoke out earlier this month against the Celtics showing a Thomas video on Feb. 11, and he told ESPN on Tuesday that he talked with Boston general manager Danny Ainge to request the team cancel plans to honor Thomas that night.

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On Tuesday, Thomas tweeted that he would rather the Celtics focus on Pierce.

Thomas wrote on his Twitter account, "I'd like to thank the Celtics for their gracious offer to play a video tribute on Feb 11th celebrating my 3yrs in Boston. But since it appears this has caused some controversy w/ Paul Pierce's night I'd ask the Celtics instead to focus all of their attention on #34's career.

"I look forward to coming back and playing in Boston on Feb 11th and see all of the great fans whom I will always remember for their love and incredible support the past few years."

The Celtics previously planned to have a Thomas tribute when the Cavaliers visited Boston on Jan. 3, but Thomas asked them to hold off since he wasn't able to play in that game due to a hip injury. That development didn't please Pierce.

"(Thomas) had a shot to be honored," Pierce told ESPN on Tuesday. "You came to Boston. Whether you are playing or not, you should have had your tribute then. I just don't see how, if someone is having a jersey retirement, they're going to be running other tributes for other players.

"Danny tried to sell me on it, but I told him, 'He had a shot, Danny, and he punked you on it. He pretty much dictated everything.' They let it happen because they felt sorry how (the trade to Cleveland) went down. It's guilt. That's what it is."

Ainge told ESPN that Thomas always planned to decline a Feb. 11 tribute after Pierce objected.

"I wanted to make it clear that it was never my intention or Isaiah's intention to take away from the special day for Paul Pierce," Ainge told ESPN. "And no one was ever comparing IT to Paul Pierce. We all owe Paul a lot. Everyone in the organization."

Ainge added that the Celtics intended only to have a pregame video for Thomas during player introductions.

"During the rest of the game, it was going to be all Paul Pierce," Ainge told ESPN. "But, after listening to Paul's perspective, I understood it and shared it with Isaiah and he understood it, too."

Thomas was a two-time All-Star in Boston before being traded to the Cavaliers in the offseason. He has played in just five games this season, averaging 13.6 points as he tries to find his place in the Cleveland offense.

Pierce averaged 21.8 points over 15 seasons in Boston, making 10 All-Star teams along the way. He also was named NBA Finals MVP when the Celtics won the title in 2008.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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UST Growling Tigresses gun for third straight victory in WMPBL

UST Growling Tigresses gun for third straight victory in WMPBL

ABS-CBN News

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University of Santo Tomas’ Brigette Santos in action in the 2025 WMPBL Invitationals. Photo handoutUniversity of Santo Tomas’ Brigette Santos in action in the 2025 WMPBL Invitationals. Photo handout

MANILA — University of Santo Tomas returns for another week of 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitationals action on Wednesday.

The 2-0 Growling Tigresses are determined to secure their third straight win when they face Centro Escolar University (1-2), 6:00 p.m., at the Enderun Gym and look to pick up where they left off last January 29.

Kent Pastrana and standout rookie Karylle Sierba are once again expected to lead the charge for the former UAAP champions as they look to remain one of only two unbeaten teams in the league, alongside Galeries Tower.

UST is aiming to secure its third consecutive win after an 82-67 triumph over Discovery Perlas and a dominant 75-32 victory over PSP.

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Over at the other side, the Lady Scorpions head into the match-up coming off a gutsy 68-65 win over EZ Jersey. CEU will lean on the 1-2 punch of Claire Tapinit and Diana Defeles as they look to sustain their momentum and make it two straight victories.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand-Bluefire will open the triple-header against Far Eastern University at 4:00 p.m.

The Valkyries, led by Snow Peñaranda, look to make it three victories in a row to improve their standings to 4-1, while the Lady Tamaraws (1-2) will try to rebound after a tough 61-76 defeat against Philippine Navy.

In the nightcap, San Juan looks to bounce back against the Luisa San Juan-led Cavite-TOL at 8:00 p.m.

The Lady Knights (2-1), who suffered their first loss against Pilipinas Aguilas last February 5, look to vent their ire against a Patriots side that was coming off its first win after three tries.

Games in this league will air live on IBC 13 and stream via the league’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.  

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