Latest PBA News, Commissioner Cup & Key Announcements

PBA, which is a popular Basketball Association in the Philippines is currently hosting the Commissioner Cup 2203-24 that has entered the playoff stage. The Commissioner Cup started on November 5, 2023, and is now on a concluding note.

This blog will discuss the key and Latest PBA News that have been making headlines these days and there are exciting announcements that are discussed below.

Cliff Hodge is set to miss the match against Meralco

Meralco is ready to face the Phoenix, whether or not forward Cliff Hodge is available. The 35-year-old suffered an ankle sprain during the Bolts' 116-107 triple overtime win over Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

Despite not finishing the 63-minute game, Meralco is gearing up for the winner-take-all match on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Coach Trillo does not seem bothered by the absence of their key forward and he is urging other players to do well a get the victory against the Meralco.

“We have to be ready with or without Cliff Hodge,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

“I’m just saying if Cliff can’t go, we have other guys. I have faith in Kyle (Pascual), Raymund (Almazan) and those other guys, too. We’re ready.”

Meralco will be facing Magnolia in the first Semi-Final of the Commissioner Cup

As per the latest PBA News, Meralco has outplayed the Phoenix Super LPG in a thrilling 116-107 triple-overtime win. Doing so, they have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Commissioner Cup 2023-24 and are set to face Magnolia Hotshots for a spot in the Finals. Bong Quinto was brilliant during the match and scored 14 of his 19 points in the extensions, leading the Bolts to a decisive 10-0 run. Despite Cliff Hodge's early exit due to an ankle sprain, Meralco did not hold back and balanced contributions from Miller, Maliksi, and Newsome took them over the line.

Phoenix's Williams put up a remarkable 24 points and 24 rebounds but missed free throws cost them. The series now heads to a deciding game, and fans all over the world are excited for the Semi-final showdowns of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Magnolia cemented its place in the Semis

Magnolia has secured a dominating 109-94 victory over TNT and has claimed the first spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Last 4. The Hotshots were brilliant on the court with a 9-0 run in the third and a 14-3 surge in the fourth, they made sure of the ultimate place. Tyler Bey led the charge with 41 points, and he was supported by a balanced effort from Barroca, Abueva, and Sangalang. 

Despite strong opposition from TNT's Hollis-Jefferson, Magnolia's team play and Bey's dominant play was decisive for Magnolia Hotshots. Magnolia now advances to the semis, and they will be looking for the winner of Meralco vs. Phoenix to face them in the semi Final of the ongoing Commissioner Cup 2023-24

Magnolia and Phoenix have made it into the Commissioner Cup Quarter-Finals

Magnolia Chicken Timplados and Phoenix Super LPG gear up for the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals and look forward to a semifinal spot. The top-seeded Hotshots who have a 9-2 record will face TNT at 8 p.m., On the other side, the Fuel Masters ranked fourth with an 8-3 standing will take on Meralco at 4 p.m. 

Magnolia Hotshots are looking ahead for its fifth semifinal appearance in six conferences, while Phoenix is eyeing its first since 2020. Both teams will be thinking of tough challenges, with Magnolia having to face TNT's new import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa acknowledging the Hotshots' formidable standing as the season's No. 1 team.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was not allowed to watch the game after heated arguments with Rain or Shine Coach

In the latest PBA News, TNT Fans were wondering why Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was absent as TNT secured the last playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, following a directive from the PBA Commissioner's Office. The decision not to allow Rondae to watch the game was made after he exchanged a few words and had heated arguments with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. 

However, there were speculations that Rondae was banned by the PBA Committee, but TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa clarified that Hollis-Jefferson wasn't banned but was advised not to attend the game as part of the league's sanctions. The incident occurred during a heated match where Hollis-Jefferson had a verbal spat with the game officials. However, the player was charged a fine of P20,000 and a game absence, while Guiao was given a penalty of P10,000.

Rookie Kim Aurin Claimed the Player of the Week

TNT rookie Kim Aurin, who finally got a spot in the starting lineup, has now earned the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week. The 26-year-old, picked in the third round of the draft, showcased his worth when he contributed 18 points in TNT's important 116-96 victory over Phoenix. Aurin, previously with Barangay Ginebra's 3x3 team, joined TNT after becoming a free agent. 

Coach Jojo Lastimosa praised Aurin's performance, and he hinted that Kim deserved more playing time and he would get his fair share. 

"I think he deserves all the minutes he's getting right now, said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa of Aurin.

"Now we're looking at a guy who's probably going to play a little bit more. He deserves what he is getting right now."

His standout play marked him as the first rookie this season to receive the weekly honor.

PBA Women’s 3x3 tournament is back after 7 years

After seven years of the long wait, the PBA's 3x3 tournament for women is set to make a comeback with the Invitational WPBA 3x3 starting on Jan. 22. There are Six teams, which included 2 squads of  Gilas that will participate in the single-round eliminations.

These matches are scheduled alongside the men's PBA 3x3 Season 3 Third Conference on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

In the Latest PBA News, the PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro revealed that the top four teams from the 15-game eliminations will advance to the knockout semifinals. Then the finalists will compete for the championship in a winner-take-all showdown. The six-team field includes Uratex Dream, Angeli’s Resort, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force.