NBA: Kyrie Irving makes winning Mavs debut | ABS-CBN

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NBA: Kyrie Irving makes winning Mavs debut

NBA: Kyrie Irving makes winning Mavs debut

Agence France-Presse

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Kyrie Irving (2) of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Dwight Powell (7) of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Adam Pantozzi, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP
Kyrie Irving (2) of the Dallas Mavericks high fives Dwight Powell (7) of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Adam Pantozzi, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP


Kyrie Irving shook off some new-team nerves Wednesday, scoring 24 points in his Dallas debut to lead the Mavericks to a 110-104 NBA victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Irving, a former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star who was traded to Dallas on Sunday after a sometimes controversial tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, added four rebounds and five assists and the Mavs led all the way despite the absence of star Luka Doncic, who remained sidelined with a foot injury.

"Incredible," Irving said of his first game since the trade he requested from Brooklyn, where, he said this week, he "felt very disrespected."

"I had natural nerves out there, so I was just trying to play well," he added. "I got to play the game that I love with some guys that were selfless out there and it just feels good."

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Irving made nine of his 17 shots from the field and delivered four three-pointers against a Clippers team that was among those reportedly courting him once his trade request became public.

Dallas coach Jason Kidd said Irving's contribution went beyond scoring for a Mavs team that has floundered without Doncic on the floor.

"His leadership down the stretch of getting everyone organized... a lot of great stuff on this new journey with him. It's going to be fun."

The Mavericks shot out of the gate, fueled by five three-pointers in the first quarter from Reggie Bullock. Irving found his range in the second period to help them push their lead to as many as 19.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard scored 13 of his 18 points in the third quarter as Los Angeles closed the gap, but Irving and the Mavs had more than enough to keep them at bay.

© Agence France-Presse

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PBA: Magnolia secures playoff for eighth spot by demolishing Meralco

PBA: Magnolia secures playoff for eighth spot by demolishing Meralco

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

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Updated Jan 31, 2025 08:11 PM PHT

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Magnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe in action against Meralco, January 31, 2025 at the PhilSports Arena. PBA ImagesMagnolia import Ricardo Ratliffe in action against Meralco, January 31, 2025 at the PhilSports Arena. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Magnolia has secured at least a playoff for the eighth spot by overpowering an Akil Mitchell-less Meralco, 129-92, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Meralco, already assured of a top five finish, saw its reinforcement Mitchell rest as the quarterfinals loom.

The Hotshots will battle either NLEX or Rain or Shine, depending on the results of the ROS-TNT match later in the day.

They have qualified to the playoffs since the 2016 Governors' Cup, and they intend to continue that streak this tourney.

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Import Ricardo Ratliffe played spectacularly early in the ballgame, leading the Hotshots with a 15-point explosion in the opener for a 35-28 cushion — almost half of their output already.

They coupled those efforts in the next frame, entering the break with a 73-47 separation — a lead the Bolts could not come back from.

"[I'm] very proud, thankful. Na-appreciate ko lahat ng effort ng players ko. Talagang tinatrabaho lahat nila sa practice," said coach Chito Victolero during the postgame press conference.

When the dust settled, Ratliffe totaled 31 for the Magnolia firepower and collected a whopping 19 rebounds, while Zav Lucero delivered 22 points, three boards, and three dimes.

Mainstays Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang added 18 points each, while Calvin Abueva also had 14 markers.

Raymond Almazan bannered the all-Pinoy Meralco side with 23 points and a block, with CJ Cansino also contributing 11 points.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 129 – Ratliffe 31, Lucero 22, Sangalang 18, Barroca 18, Abueva 14, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Eriobu 0, Balanza 0

MERALCO 92 – Almazan23, Cansino 11, Black 9, Bates 8, Quinto 7, Banchero 6, Reyson 5, Torres 5, Rios 5, Mendoza 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Newsome 2, Hodge 0QUARTERS: 35-28, 73-47, 101-75, 129-92

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