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Your latest sports news, in the Philippines and around the world.

Portland, Oregon Awarded WNBA’s 15th Franchise   

September 19, 2024

WNBA;

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that it has awarded Portland, Oregon, the league’s 15th franchise. The Portland team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, will be owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. Portland is the third expansion franchise awarded by the WNBA during this round of expansion, following the Golden State Valkyries and a Toronto franchise, bringing the league from 12 to 15 teams.

This is the best time to have your own WNBA team, since the value of your team will surely increase with the “Caitlin Clark effect” and the influx of new players from the college rank like Paige Bueckers and Juju Watkins.

I predict that before the next media deal, after 11 years, the league will add 5 more teams, making it to a total of 20 WNBA teams and the league will have at least 50 to 60 games per season.

Adrian Wojnarowski retires from ESPN to be the GM of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure   

September 19, 2024

Adrian Wojnarowski, posted on his X account (@wojespn)

I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN’s campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.

This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.

I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefitted more than me from the belief, trust and generosity of others.
The past seven years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I’m appreciative of the company’s leadership – especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas – for the understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a life change.

After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.

-30-

No more Woj bomb!:(

Caitlin Clark WNBA records: Indiana Fever honors to know   

September 16, 2024

Keith Jenkins, writing for ESPN;

Here’s a look at Clark’s professional accolades:

▪︎ WNBA rookie single-season scoring record.

▪︎ WNBA single-season record for assists.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most double-doubles in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ Set franchise record for most three-pointers in a season with Indiana Fever.

▪︎ First WNBA rookie to record two triple-doubles.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for three-pointers.

▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for assists.

▪︎ WNBA single-season turnover record.

▪︎ Most assists by a rookie in WNBA All-Star Game history (10).

▪︎ WNBA Rookie of the Month for July.

▪︎ WNBA single-game record for assists (19).

▪︎ First triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history and first triple-double in Fever history.

▪︎ Ninth rookie to be named a WNBA All-Star starter.

▪︎ Only player with more than 700,000 votes for the WNBA All-Star Game.

▪︎ Fastest player to reach 350 points and 150 assists to start a WNBA season (regardless of years in the league).

▪︎ Twenty points, three assists, two steals and 10 turnovers in her WNBA debut on May 14.

▪︎ No. 1 overall pick by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA draft on April 15.

Calling Caitlin Clark’s rookie season “LEGENDARY” would be an understatement.

Aces’ A’ja Wilson 1st Player in WNBA History to Score 1,000 Points in 1 Season   

September 16, 2024

Doric Sam, writing for Bleacher Report;

After setting the WNBA single-season scoring record earlier this week, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson added another unique distinction on Sunday.

Wilson became the first player in league history to ever score 1,000 points in a season during Sunday’s 84-71 win against the Connecticut Sun.

For context, this is the 2nd year that the WNBA is playing a 40 games per season. In 2022, the number of games was 36. The WNBA single-season scoring record last year was set by Jewel Lloyd, who scored 939 points, playing 38 games. Wilson set the 1,000 Points in 1 Season playing just 37 games.

Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record then set the WNBA rookie season scoring record in a span of 24 hours

September 16, 2024

Alexa Philippou, ESPN;

Rookie star Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record Friday night in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Clark recorded her 317th assist of the season at the 4:55 mark of the second quarter when Kelsey Mitchell took her pass and scored on a drive. The rookie passed Alyssa Thomas’ 316 dimes from last season. Clark finished the game with nine assists, giving her 321 assists on the season.

This was in a loss against the Las Vegas Aces, where Aces’ A’ja Wilson set a record for points scored in a season.

Then after 24 hours.

Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark recalls Seimone Augustus being the first WNBA player she ever met when she went to a Minnesota Lynx game as a child.

On Sunday, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, previously held by Augustus, and called it a full-circle moment.

“I got my picture with her on my dad’s little phone — it was maybe like a BlackBerry back in the day,” Clark said after Indiana’s 110-109 win over Dallas. “I vividly remember it. I was always a fan of her game and the way she could shoot the ball.”

Clark now has 761 points in 39 games, so there is the caveat that Augustus — who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October — set her mark of 744 points in 2006, when the WNBA season was 34 games.

For context, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, while Seimone Augustus set the rookie scoring record when WNBA season was only 34 games a season.

Carlos Yulo is PSA’s Athlete for the Month of August   

September 12, 2024

PSA’s posted on their official FB page;

AUGUST 2024 will forever be remembered as the time Carlos Yulo took his place in the pantheon of greats.
The two-time gymnastics world champion from Leveriza Street in Malate, Manila carved his name in history when he flipped, twisted and tumbled to Olympic gold in Paris in two of his pet events – the floor exercise (15.000) and vault (15.116).

Yulo’s dazzling show he performed over two unforgettable days in August in the City of Lights installed him as the greatest Philippine Olympian of all time.
He’s the first Pinoy to win two gold medals in the Olympians, surpassing what everyone had achieved before him. He joined weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who scored the country’s breakthrough mint in Tokyo three years ago, in the elite club of Philippine Olympic champs.

Thanks to the 24-year-old Yulo, it was the best-ever showing for Team Philippines in a century of participation in the quadrennial Games.

And for that, Philippine Sportswriters Association is recognizing Yulo as its top achiever for the month of August.

Honorable mention were lady boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who complemented the golden boy with bronze medals in the women’s 57kg and 50kg class, respectively.
Outside the Paris Games, it was 17-year-old golfer Rianne Malixi, obstacle course racer Precious Cabuya, and wushu athlete Jones Inso Llabre who shone brightest.

Malixi ruled the prestigious US Women’s Amateur crown in Tulsa, Oklahoma in a smashing follow up to her record-breaking triumph at the US Girls’ Junior tournament the previous month in California.

Cabuya reigned supreme in the OCR World Championship in Costa Rica in a new OCR 100m elite female world mark of 31.521 seconds while James Inso Llabres topped the Men’s Chen Style 56 Movements category of the 4th World Taijiquan Championships in Singapore.

He is already considered as the Greatest Philippine Olympian Of All Time, as he should be!

Carlos Yulo run at the 2024 Paris Olympics is nothing short of legendary!

Indiana Fever fall to the Las Vegas Aces as A’ja Wilson breaks WNBA Single-Season Scoring Record   

September 12, 2024

ESPN WNBA;

A’ja Wilson became the WNBA’s single-season scoring leader and finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 86-75 on Wednesday night for their 14th straight win in the series.

Wilson passed Jewell Loyd’s total of 939 points on a jumper from the free-throw line with 26.4 seconds left before halftime. Wilson needed just 35 games to top last year’s record by Loyd, who needed 38 games. Wilson’s previous high was 912 points, set in 40 games last season.

She finished the game with 956 points this season and could potentially be the first player in league history to reach 1,000 in a year.

This is a good measuring stick for the Fever to gauge on how they fare against the best team and facing the best player in the WNBA. Add the shooting woes of Caitlin Clark and foul trouble on Aliyah Boston. Kelsey Mitchell, as always kept them in the game but not enough for them to overcome the 12-point deficit.

Las Vegas Aces is the only team that the Indiana Fever have not beat this season and they will have another chance this Saturday, Sept 14th.

Indiana Fever sweeps Atlanta Dream in their last game (100 – 104)

September 9, 2024

Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;

The Indiana Fever had their biggest comeback win of the WNBA season Sunday, rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Dream 104-100 in overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

One heck of a game by Indiana Fever, erasing a 16-point deficit and winning in OT. A monster game from Indiana Fever’s Big 3; Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds, her fifth 25 and 10 game of the season. Aliyah Boston scored a career-high 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points.

The scores;
Atlanta Dream 100 – N. Hillmon 5, T. Charles 17, A. Gray 15, J. Canada 17, R. Howard 36, N. Coffey 5, L. Cubaj 2, M. Caldwell 3, H. Jones 0, C. Parker-Tyus DNP, L. Amihere DNP, A. Powers DNP

Indiana Fever 104 – N. Smith 6, A. Boston 30, K. Mitchell 21, L. Hull 12, C. Clark 26, D. Dantas 0, K. Samuelson 0, T. Fagbenle 9, E. Wheeler 0, V. Saxton DNP, K. Wallace DNP, G. Berger DNP

1st qtr 2nd qtr 3rd qtr 4th qtr OT Total
Atlante Dream 21 27 21 21 10 100
Indiana Fever 22 22 22 24 14 104

Angel Reese suffered season-ending wrist injury against the Los Angeles Sparks   

September 8, 2024

Angel Reese, posted on her @angelreese5 Instagram account;

What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol🥲 Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.”

You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!

A not so good news for Chicago Sky fans and fans of Angel Reese. The news comes at a time when Chicago Sky are fighting for the final playoff spot. The Sky have 6 remaining games and are currently 8th in the standings with 12-22 (win-loss), the same with Atlanta Dream and just a game ahead of Washington Mystics (11-23).

Napheesa Collier’s 26 points powers Minnesota Lynx win over Indiana Fever (99 – 88)   

September 7, 2024

ESPN WNBA;

Napheesa Collier scored nine of her 26 points in the third quarter, Bridget Carleton made three 3-pointers in the final four minutes and the Minnesota Lynx overcame a 25-point night by Caitlin Clark to snap Indiana’s five-game winning streak with a 99-88 win over the Fever on Friday night.

The Indiana Fever are 7 – 3 in their last 10 games, two of those loses are from Minnesota Lynx. This may very well be a playoff preview between Minnesota Lynx (2nd) and Indiana Fever (6th), that is if the Fever are able to go deep in the post season.

Fever’s “Big Three” had a huge game but not enough to get the win.

Caitlin Clark scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists and Aliyah Boston scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points.

TNT improves to 4-1 record as Terrafirma remains winless in five games   

September 5, 2024

PBA;

TNT shrugged off its manpower problems by stamping its class over hapless Terrafirma, 107-89, Thursday and regaining a share of the Group A lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

A monster game for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who was three assists short for a triple-double.

The Scores :

TNT 107 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Pogoy 14, Erram 14, Aurin 13, Nambatac 10, Castro 10, Khobuntin 7, Exciminiano 7, Heruela 3, Payawal 3, Ebona 0, Vosotros 0.

TERRAFIRMA 89 – Hester 23, Standhardinger 18, Hernandez 13, Ferrer 13, Pringle 12, Hanapi 3, Cahilig 3, Sangalang 2, Ramos 2, Olivario 0, Grospe 0.

QUARTERS: 30-22, 55-49, 76-68, 107-89

Indiana Fever’s 5th straight win over LA Sparks behind Caitlin Clark’s Triple-double

September 5, 2024

ESPN;

Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her second career triple-double as the playoff-bound Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 93-86 on Wednesday night.

Clark connected on her second 3 of the game and 100th of the season midway through the third quarter and added two more to reach 102 and finish 4 of 10 from long range. The No. 1 overall draft pick is the first rookie with 100 3s.

Their 6 reaming game will be available against top teams and those who are vying for playoff spot. It’ll be interesting how they will matchup against Lynx and Aces, who are the two of the top teams in the league.

Indiana Fever Clinch 2024 Playoff Spot   

September 4, 2024

WNBA;

Following losses from the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, the Indiana Fever officially clinched a spot in the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2016 regular season.

The 2024 postseason will be the franchise’s 14th playoff appearance as Indiana reached the playoffs 12 consecutive times from 2005-2016 and made its first postseason appearance in 2002. The 2024 WNBA postseason will begin on Sunday, September 22.

How the playoff works in the WNBA?

The top eight teams regardless of conference will qualify for the playoffs and be seeded based on their record. The first playoff round follows a best-of-three format where the teams are seeded based on their regular-season record. The first-round series games will include a 2-1 format in which the higher seed will host Games 1 and 2 and the lower seed will host Game 3 if necessary. The semifinals and WNBA Finals will each feature a best-of-five series following the 2-2-1 format with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2 and 5, and the lower-seeded team will host Games 3 and 4 in their respective series.

With their current seeding, the Indiana Fever (6th) will face the Minnesota Lynx (3rd) in the first round of the playoffs. But with seven more games remaining, the Fever could end up higher in the standings.

NBA just release a 5hr video highlights of Steph Curry

August 18, 2024
NBA just release a 5hr video highlights of Steph Curry

Watch 4+ hours of Steph Curry’s most unforgettable clutch moments, complete with his iconic ‘night-night’ celebration!

Never miss a moment with the latest news, trending stories and highlights to bring you closer to your favorite players and teams.

Stephen Curry is arguably the greatest shooter in all of basketball and even though his not as athletic as his other peers, he’s one of the most exciting player to watch in the basketball court.

To borrow Stephen A. Smith’s line – “Steph Curry is the greatest shooter God has ever created.“

Carlos Yulo to receive a brandnew Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

August 18, 2024

Toyota Motor Philippines will be gifting two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo after successful stint in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics. Yulo bagged the gold medal for Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Floor Exercise and Vault.

The company said “We hope this vehicle helps bring you to greater heights. We are excited to see where your journeys can further take you.”

This new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is just one of the many rewards that he received for bring home two gold medals from the Paris and more than the medal, Carlos Yulo earned the admiration of every Filipino and worldwide recognition. He will forever be in the Philippines Sports history books, specially the honor that he brought to the country.

Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Groupings and Schedule Announced

August 14, 2024

If you’re wonder, what the heck is the “Emirates NBA Cup 2024”? The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 was previously named the NBA In-Season Tournament, which debut last year and LA Lakers are the inaugural champions of the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Before we can talk about the, let’s talk about the groupings first and below are the groupings for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024.

Western Conference

Group A

  • (1) Minnesota
  • (2) LA Clippers
  • (3) Sacramento
  • (4) Houston
  • (5) Portland

Group B

  • (1) Oklahoma City
  • (2) Phoenix
  • (3) L.A. Lakers
  • (4) Utah
  • (5) San Antonio

Group C

  • (1) Denver
  • (2) Dallas
  • (3) New Orleans
  • (4) Golden State
  • (5) Memphis

Eastern Conference

Group A

  • (1) New York
  • (2) Orlando
  • (3) Philadelphia
  • (4) Brooklyn
  • (5) Charlotte

Group B

  • (1) Milwaukee
  • (2) Indiana
  • (3) Miami
  • (4) Toronto
  • (5) Detroit

Group C

  • (1) Boston
  • (2) Cleveland
  • (3) Chicago
  • (4) Atlanta
  • (5) Washington

Now that we have the groupings out of the way, the schedule for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 will every Tuesday and Fridays starting this November 12th until December 3rd. The quarter finals will be on the December 11th and 12th, while the Semis will be on December 14th . The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 Finals will be on the 17th of December. Both Semis and the Finals will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. As for the full schedule and who will be playing against who, you can checkout the full schedule published by the NBA.

If you are still clueless as how Emirates NBA Cup 2024 works, then here’s a 2 minute video;

As for the name Emirates NBA Cup 2024, NBA and Emirates, yes the Emirates Airlines based in Dubai, has signed a multiyear global marketing partnership naming Emirates the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA.

A Closer look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition

August 13, 2024

Samsung have been giving Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition to athletes at the Paris Olympics, while its unclear if the S. Korean company will sell these phones, Samsung it more than generous to provide additional details of the said phones.

Packaging

The black box of the Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition features a gold line that represent the track lines of the Track and Field. The Olympic rings, Paralympic symbols, and Samsung logo can be seen at the bottom of the box highlighting Samsung’s partnership with the Olympic Committee.

Olympic Gold

Samsung’s welcome message dedicated to Athletes will appear when Olympians turn on the device.

A personalize Flipsuit Case is also included with the device, it includes a NFC-equipped Flipsuit Card that can be attached to the case and display an automatically synchronized animation of the card’s image on the cover screen.

NFC-equipped Flipsuit Card
Animated Cover Screen and Main Display in the colors of the Olympic flag. The theme on the cover screen (FlexWindow) depicts a running track from an athlete’s perspective to celebrate the significance of competing in the Olympics.

Specs of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6;

Galaxy Z Flip6
Display Main Screen 6.7-inch FHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
120Hz Adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)
Infinity Flex Display (2640 x 1080, 22:9)
Cover Screen 3.4-inch Super AMOLED 60Hz Display
720 x 748
306 PPI
Dimension & Weight Folded 71.9 x 85.1 x 14.9mm
Unfolded 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm
Weight 187g
Camera Front Camera 10MP Selfie Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚
Rear Dual Camera 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚
50MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚
AP Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory & Storage 12GB Memory with 512GB internal storage
12GB Memory with 256GB internal storage
Battery 4,000mAh (typical) dual battery
Charging Wired Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30min. with 25W Adapter and 3A USB-C cable
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Wireless PowerShare
Water Resistance IP48
OS Android 14
One UI 6.1.1
Network & Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth® v5.3
Sensors Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card One Nano SIM and Multi eSIM
Colors Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, Mint
Crafted Black, White, Peach

US Women’s Basketball Team Narrowly Escapes France for Women’s Basketball Gold at 2024 Paris Olympics (67 – 66)

August 12, 2024

It was a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics medal game, but the US Women’s Basketball team took care of business and claimed the gold medal in the Women’s 5×5 Basketball Tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unlike their male counterparts, the US women needed a bit of luck to secure the gold, as Gabby Williams’ buzzer-beating shot was just inches inside the three-point line, potentially sending the game to overtime.

A’ja Wilson led the team with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Wilson also took have the MVP awards for the tournament. Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum contributed 12 points apiece, both going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

After clawing back from a 10-point deficit early in the third quarter, France kept the game close. However, Kelsey Plum’s offense and the team’s defense in the fourth quarter created a 3-point lead, ultimately securing the gold medal.

Gabby Williams led France with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Valeriane Ayayi and Marine Johannes added 9 points each, but no other French player scored more than 8 points. Fast break points (6-15), points in the paint (20-30), and bench points (20-29) were significant factors in France’s defeat.

Game stats;

Advance Stats from FIBA

Box Score from ESPN

Just like with the men’s basketball team, the United States and France could become regular rivals in Olympic women’s basketball medal games.

Steph Curry powers Team USA for a Gold Medal Finish Against France (98 – 87)

August 11, 2024

The USA Men’s Basketball team, led by Steph Curry, has won the Olympic gold medal at the 5×5 Basketball tournament. Curry scored a team-high 24 points, making 8-of-12 shots from the three-point line, and added 5 assists. Teammates Booker and Durant each scored 15 points apiece, while LeBron James contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. James was also awarded the tournament’s MVP.

It was a dramatic finish for the Americans, as France mounted a comeback by scoring 7 straight points, cutting the United States’ 14-point lead to a single possession game, thanks to a Wembanyama tip-in. But then Steph Curry showcased his greatness with a dagger three-pointer, defended by two French players. He then celebrated with his trademark “Night night” gesture while returning on defense.

Victor Wembanyama led the French team with 26 points but lacked his usual defensive presence compared to the semi-finals against Germany. Guerschon Yabusele added 20 points for France, while no other player scored more than 9 points. Considering the number of young French players entering the NBA, future Olympic medal games could become regular showdowns between the USA, France, and Serbia.

Steph Curry lead Team USA in a come-from-behind win over Serbia, advances to the Finals of the Men’s Olympic Basketball (95-91)

August 9, 2024

A Steph Curry exploding for 36 points, Lebron James triple-double and a 19-point game from Joel Embiid proved too much for Serbia to overcome, despite leading the game for the first three quarters (76-63). At one point, Serbia was ahead by as much as 17 points and seemed to be hitting every shot, especially from the 3-point line.

Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Serbian national team with 20 points, while Nikola Jokic added 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists. Aleksa Avramovic scored 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. However, as a team, they shot 38.5% from the 3-point line, especially in the final period when their shots started to miss.

As much offensive firepower as Team USA possessed, it was their defense that secured the win. Trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter, Team USA clamped down on Serbia, allowing just 15 points in the quarter after surrendering an average of 25.33 points in the first three quarters. Embiid and James made several stops that led to 9 fast-break points, and it was the bench players who helped turn the game around for the Americans.

Steph Curry led the team with 36 points and 8 rebounds, falling just one point short of tying Carmelo Anthony’s 37-point record at the 2012 London Olympics. LeBron James contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, his second triple-double in the Olympics. The “crowd-favorite,” Joel Embiid, scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

Team USA will face Team France in the gold medal game this Saturday, August 10th, while Serbia will play Germany for the bronze medal.

Kevin Durant passes Lisa Leslie as the USA’s All-Time Leading Scorer in the Olympics

August 7, 2024

Kevin Durant is now the all-time highest scorer in United States Olympic basketball history, passing Lisa Leslie’s record of 488 points. Durant’s total Olympic points is 494 points. KD lead Team USA in bagging the gold medal in 2012 London Games, 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games. He averages nearly 20.6 points in three Olympics.

This is what KD said regarding the record and emphasis that winning a gold medal in Paris is more important.

Lisa Leslie also gave Durant his flowers for passing her in the USA’s All-Time Leading Scorer list.

Kevin Durant is currently the 8th post for the scoring leading in Olympic basketball history and have a chance to the move to the top 5 of the All-Time Olympics Scorer. Assuming that Team USA will advance to the Gold Medal Game, KD just need to average 18 points for the next two games to over take Argentinian national team legend Manu Ginobili is fifth with 523 points.

The leading All-Time Olympics Scorer is Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt (1,093 points), he did it in 5 Olympic Games.

Semi-Finals Bracket for the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament

August 7, 2024

We are now down to 4 teams, this sets up the Semi-Finals Bracket for the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament.

Semi-Finals of the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament

  • USA versus Serbia
  • France versus Germany

How they got here?

Team USA are undefeated (4-0) and have been winning with an average 24.75 points margin. It be a rematch against Serbia, a team they played and defeated in the Group games. Serbia on the other hand, after getting the “L” from Team USA went undefeated including an overtime win against Australia in the quarter-finals. Serbia will try and avenge their loss as they try to win and eliminate Team USA in their coming rematch.

France with only one loss, advances to the semis after defeating/eliminating Canada – the second team that has the most NBA players in their roster. Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama was a defensive problem for the Canadians, grabbing 12 rebounds with 3 steals and this monster block on Dillon Brooks.

Germany, just like Team USA, are also undefeated, even after facing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greeks in the knock-out games.

Every semi-finals games of the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament will be this Thursday, August 8th at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France.

Team USA steamrolled Brazil to advance to the semifinals of the Men’s Basketball Paris Olympics (122 – 87)

August 7, 2024

Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the Men’s Basketball Paris Olympics after they defeated Brazil in the quarter finals.

The game which was decided by the end of first half after the Americans went on a 15-0 run finishing a dominant second quarter. In the second half, Team USA was never threatened as Brazil’s National Team could not cut the deficit to below 20 points.

Score by Quarter

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
USA 33 30 31 28 122
BRA 21 15 35 16 87

It was a team effort for the Americans, with six players scoring in double digits. Led by Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker with 18 points, Team USA was followed by Anthony Edwards’ 17 points and 5 rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 11 points off the bench and passed Lisa Leslie (488) for most points all-time in USA Olympic history.

Game Stats via FIBA

Brazil led by Bruno Caboclo scored 30 points with 6 rebounds, Georginho De Paula added 15 points and 8 rebounds. No other Brazil players scored more than 9 points. Team USA will face Serbia in the semis this Thursday, August 7th.

Carlos Yulo Wins Second Gold Medal in the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Vault

August 5, 2024

After bagging the gold medal for the Men’s Floor Exercise, Carlos Yulo took home the gold medal for the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Vault.

Carlo Yulo scored a convincing 15.116 points, over Armenian Artur Davtan’s 14.966 (silver) and the 14.949 (bronze) of Harry Hepworth from UK.

“Last night I couldn’t sleep. This morning I was so sleepy.. I slept in the bus, I slept after the podium training.” Carlos Yulo said. “I slept before going to the competition area… But I did it today.”

Carlos Yulo’s first vault was a standout, earning a 15.433 points. With a top-tier difficulty score of 6.000, he flawlessly executed a handspring double front half out in pike position, setting a high bar for the competition.

His second attempt, a Kasamatsu double twist, was slightly less perfect, but he managed to control his landing and scored a respectable 14.800 points. Yulo’s final score of 15.116 points is more than enough for him to take home the gold medal.

Here’s the Quarter-Finals Bracket for the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament

August 4, 2024

Now that the group stage is done, the Quarter-Finals for the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament are now set.

As the top seed, Team USA has drawn the most favorable matchup, playing against Brazil, which only has one NBA player on its roster.

The first game will be between Serbia and Australia, followed by USA versus Brazil. On the other side of the bracket, Germany will face Greece, and the host country, France, will take on Canada.

Aside from Team USA, Team Canada has the second-most NBA players with 10.

The Quarter-finals will be on August 6th at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France.