Thunder downs Clippers as George suffers injury

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George got hurt in the fourth quarter of Tuesday night’s (Wednesday, Manila time) 101-100 loss to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

George went down under the Thunder’s basket with 4:38 remaining. He lay on his back for several minutes before be- any weight on his right leg. points for the Thunder.

George had 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists. His potential loss could prove costly to a team harboring hopes of winning its first NBA championship.

George had a highlight dunk in the third, rotating 360 degrees before slamming the ball in the hoop as the crowd cheered.

The game was tied 91-all when George went down. Leonard scored before the Thunder ran off six points in a row to take a 97-93 lead.

Let us join hands and pray for the miracle healing of Ginebra’s pointguard LA Tenorio who was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

Inspite of the stunning sad medical findings, LA himself, in the company of SMC sports director AlFrancis Chua, announced it to his teammates and coaches during one practice day.

He has also undergone surgery in Singapore.

LA is an exceptional person that matches his playing skills. His positive approach to life and his deep faith in God strengthen his will to survive and overcome his current situation.

******* As we went to press Wesdnesday, Meralco was battling Magnolia in the quarterfinals while topnotcher TNT was crossing blades versus number 8 Phoenix.

Coach Norman Black has said they were focusing their defense on Paul Lee who has been on an explosive foray in Magnolia’s great recovery.

Sorry Norman, I disagree. While the Hotshots went on a winning spree after losing their first 3 games, Lee is not the secret weapon.

Magnolia’s chemistry and fortess-like defense which coach Chito Victolero imbibed in his

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points against his former team. Jalen Williams added 20

Leonard and George stepped up in the second half after shooting a combined 5 of 16 in the first half, but it wasn’t enough.

Nicolas Batum hit a jumper to pull the Clippers to 101-100. The Clippers lost a coach’s challenge of an out-of-bounds call ing helped to his feet. Supported by staff on either side, George headed to the locker room, appearing to barely be able to put FTHUNDER, P10 boys over the years have transfoemed the Hotshots into a formidable quingtet.

Let’s face it. Whenever the game is on the line, Lee is Victolero’s go-to guy. Very reliable, hot-shooting hands.

Black should be credited though for steering the Bolts to a twice to beat position.

This puts enormous pressure on Magnolia to exert 110% to take Game 1 or go home.

It’s a 50-50, if you ask me.

Black is lucky he got KJ McDaniels for his import. A journeyman in the PBA import-laced Gov’s Cup, McDaniels has proven to be reliable and disciplined as well as fit as a fiddle.

Antonio Hester is likewise what the doctors ordered for Magnolia.

Whatever stats each import produced in the elims won’t matter because the quartefinals is altogether a new level.

Which means that whoever between McDaniels and Hestor produces hefty contribution in socring, rebounding and defense will help push his team to victory.

Hester, a first-timer in Asia’s first pro league, has proven his mettle in all departments of the game.

He scores, defends well, rebounds astoundingly well and has an eye for the open man. He may not produce a double double and scores 30 or more, but he has consistency.

Not to demean KJ, but there are games where his consistency has been found wanting. That is why the Bolts were on a rollercoaster ride.

T’would be interesting to see one import guarding the other.

Between TNT and Phoenix, I cannot see why the former will not establish its superiority in firepower and defensive ability. Expect more exciting, downthe-wire explosive matches.

(Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!