NBA: Michael Porter Jr., Nets beat Pacers to secure first win

GMA Network - Nov 2, 2026

Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points on Sunday to help the Brooklyn Nets secure their elusive first win with a 98-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.

Read full article

More News

World No. 1 Picklum praises Pinay teen

Nov 1, 2026

World No. 1 Picklum praises Pinay teen

DESPITE bowing out of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro, 15-year-old Filipino surfer Mara Lopez earned something more meaningful than a victory after drawing praise from none other than world No. 1 Molly Picklum. The Australian surfing star was impressed by the young La Union native, who faced her in Round 1 and Heat 5, and saw in Lopez a promising talent capable of inspiring the next generation of Filipino surfers. Lopez finished with 4.50 points against Picklum's 11.50 in the competition at the famed Cloud 9 reef break in Siargao on Sunday morning. The young wildcard managed a 2.50-point ride on her third wave and added 2.00 on her fourth. The reigning world No. 1 produced scores of 5.33 and 6.17 to secure the victory in the historic competition presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and backed by Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. But beyond the result, Picklum was particularly touched after learning that she may have been one of Lopez's inspirations in taking up the sport. "Maybe I'm one of her inspirations. And that stuff to me is just so special," Picklum said, reflecting on her encounter with the young Filipino surfer. Picklum also had encouraging words for Lopez, praising her surfing ability and revealing that the teenager is also an outstanding longboarder. "I said to her, you're surfing so well. And she's also an A-one longboarder," the Australian star said. More than recognizing Lopez's talent, Picklum believes the young surfer can become a role model for other aspiring athletes in the country. "Either way, she's going to inspire the next generation, which is just so cool," she added. The world No. 1 also expressed admiration for Siargao's closely-knit surfing community, pointing out how the small island has built a strong culture around the sport. "Siargao is such a small island and they have such a strong surfing community. So that was really cool," Picklum said. For Lopez, the encounter with one of the sport's biggest names provided a valuable experience despite the early exit. Picklum's words also served as a strong vote of confidence in the young Filipina's ability to make her mark in the sport. Also backing the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), and NEA/Siarelco.

Umandal rediscovers passion for volleyball

Nov 1, 2026

Umandal rediscovers passion for volleyball

JAU Umandal’s love for volleyball resurrected after stepping away from the court for six months. The 28-year-old Umandal admitted that his motivation for the game diminished and was not the same as before — but he was glad that he joined the young VNS (Volleyball Never Stops) Griffins squad, where he rediscovered his passion for the sport once again. Umandal, a 2024 PNVF Men’s Champions League Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a four-time MVP in Spikers’ Turf, assisted VNS in scoring its first win in the 2026 Invitational Conference after a 30-28, 25-20, 25-21 sweep of AFP. “I stepped away for some time. I lost my willingness and my patience, and now, joining this team, I realized a lot. I realized that I am just like them back then, dreaming and trying,” he told the media in Filipino. “I am happy that it all returned; that’s why I am thankful that I was given a chance. I am happy for this opportunity.” Umandal formerly headlined the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup lineup for Alas men, and is a co-captain with Marck Espejo. This time, Umandal is leading a younger group in the local league, and his experience is much needed. “My experience has also expanded too because I am working with a younger generation. We know that there’s a lot to work on, but we train very hard in training so that they can also keep up with the veterans," said Umandal, who was formerly one of the key cogs of the now-defunct Cignal HD Spikers. He was part of the historic silver finish at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Manila, and he also became one of the team’s anchors in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. He also became the third Filipino men's volleyball player of his generation to secure a professional contract overseas when he signed with Bani Jamra in the Isa bin Rashid Volleyball League in 2022. Umandal, now leading the VNS grassroots team, embraces a new challenge in passing on all the knowledge that he picked up in his years of experience in volleyball.

Alex Eala begins Hong Kong Open bid vs Alycia Parks

Nov 1, 2026

Alex Eala begins Hong Kong Open bid vs Alycia Parks

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala wraps up her Asian swing and breakthrough season at the Hong Kong Open. Eala opens her campaign against American Alycia Parks in the round of 32 on Monday at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. The 21-year-old Eala and Parks split their first two meetings, which took place this year. READ: Alex Eala aiming

Alciso upsets Olympic champion Vaast

Nov 1, 2026

Alciso upsets Olympic champion Vaast

SIARGAO, Philippines —  Filipino wildcard Jayuard Alciso upset French Olympic gold medalist Kauli Vaast to advance to Round 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Sunday. The Asian Games bronze medalist posted 12.93 points in Round 1, Heat 8, with a 7.33 on his seventh wave and a 5.60 on his ninth to beat Vaast, the world's No. 9 surfer. “I'm so happy to win this heat. This is my first time competing here, and beating an Olympic gold medalist is not easy. I'm really proud of myself,” Alciso said after the victory. He said seeing his family, friends and girlfriend watching from the beach helped him during the competition. “I'm 100 percent focused because all my friends, my family and my girlfriend were there watching me. Their support helped me stay focused, and I was able to come up with big scores,” he said. Alciso also thanked the local fans in Siargao who cheered him on throughout his heat. “I'm so happy to make it to Round 2. I just want to thank my supporters, my family, friends, my girlfriend and all the locals here in Siargao. Thank you all for supporting me,” he added. The historic competition is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. Surfers eliminated in the opening round will receive US$13,000 (around P830,000), while the champion will pocket US$80,000 (approximately P5.1 million). Also supporting the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO. Fans can watch the competition live on the One Sports YouTube channel and Cignal Play. TMT

Polo, Ajido in position for podium in Dakar YOG

Nov 1, 2026

Polo, Ajido in position for podium in Dakar YOG

DIAMNIADIO, Senegal—Angel Polo ranked third in the preliminaries of women’s Taijishan of wushu and Jamesray Mishael Ajido qualified for the men’s 100 meters butterfly of swimming for a potential start for Team Philippines in the Dakar 4th Youth Olympic Games on Sunday. Polo admitted committing errors with the fan and her balance midway her routine to momentarily seize the lead with 9.223 points, but wound up third behind former world youth championships gold medalist Ng Zhe Nin of Singapore and Chu Yu En of Chinese-Taipei. A favorite in the event, Ng garnered 9.300 points with Chu matching Polo’s score in the first of two events—the Taijiquan preliminaries are set Monday with the top eight on combined scores advancing to the final on Tuesday. “I had an error, I didn’t keep my grip on the fan properly causing me to lose my balance a bit,” said Polo, 15, and a bronze medalist in last March’s world juniors championship in Tanjin, China. Ajido, on the other hand, clocked 56.33 seconds, 1.32 seconds off his personal best, to salvage seventh in the list of eight qualifiers for the final set 3 p.m. (Senegal time) also Sunday. Egypt’s Ali Sain looked formidable at 53.96 seconds, followed by Slovakia’s Matias Kristof (54.68) and India’s Tirthank Pegu (55.15). No other swimmer from Southeast Asia made the final with Vietnam’s Van Hoang Quy Duong at ninth with 56.78 seconds. TMT

NBA: Trail Blazers bounce back, roll over Jazz

Nov 1, 2026

NBA: Trail Blazers bounce back, roll over Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY — Deni Avdija scored 24 points, Damian Lillard added 22, and the Portland Trail Blazers rebounded from their first loss of the season by blowing past the Utah Jazz 112-90 on Saturday. Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, and Jrue Holiday each tallied 14 points as Portland (4-1) rebounded from losing to Memphis on

NBA: Pelicans trounce Hawks for 2nd straight win

Nov 1, 2026

NBA: Pelicans trounce Hawks for 2nd straight win

NEW ORLEANS — Saddiq Bey scored 25 points in a reserve role, Jeremiah Fears added 20 points, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-99 on Saturday night. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each scored 15 for the Pelicans, who lead by 28 en route to their second straight victory after losing

Diana Shnaider beats Leylah Fernandez for Pan Pacific Open title

Nov 1, 2026

Diana Shnaider beats Leylah Fernandez for Pan Pacific Open title

Russia’s Diana Shnaider won her first title of the year on Sunday with a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo. World number 13 Shnaider looked to be cruising to victory after winning the first set and taking a 4-0 lead in the second. World

WNBA offseason begins with search for first commissioner

Nov 1, 2026

WNBA offseason begins with search for first commissioner

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut — With Golden State the newly crowned WNBA champion, the league turns its attention to a pivotal offseason. Unlike last year when a new collective bargaining agreement dominated the offseason, the top priority is finding new leadership. Outgoing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who has been in the position nearly seven years, announced last month that she was retiring at the end of the calendar with year. A search has begun and the next commissiner will inherit a host of issues, including officiating, the transgender debate scheduling and improving a strained relationship with players. Here's a look at some of the main topics that will be center stage over the next few months before the season tips off again next May with a 50-game schedule: Improving relationship with players The league thrived in many ways during Engelbert's tenure. Under her leadership, the WNBA enjoyed record growth and popularity, and signed a record-breaking broadcasting deal. Players surpassed million-dollar annual salaries. But despite her accomplishments, Engelbert's relationship with players cordial at best, confrontational at other times. Breanna Stewart may have summed it up best when said that players “respect” Engelbert. Building a stronger relationship with players will likely be one of the first things on the new commissioner's to-do list. Officiating improvements Complaints about officiating felt like it reached a crescendo this season. The WNBA is taking various steps to address the situation. The league is opening a the new officiating replay center. The WNBA, along with the NBA, completed a multi-million dollar renovation in New Jersey to the official replay center. It will be fully operational next season. The WNBA is working to upgrade techonology and video infrastructure at arenas to help the process. There were improvements this year after a rough start to the season where teams struggled to adjust to the emphasis on players' freedom of movement. The league put together a task force, which Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve is on, in the offseason to help clean up some of the physicality in the game. The main point of emphasis was to help players’ freedom of movement. Despite some hiccups early on, it has led to more offense as teams are averaging around 86 points a game — the highest ever. Scheduling challenges WNBA teams will play a record 50 games next season. It helps that there's no break for either the women's FIBA World Cup or the Olympics. Still the playoffs could once again go into the start of the NBA season. Nearly every team will be playing in an NBA arena next season with a few exceptions. To avoid a repeat of this year where Game 6 of the WNBA Finals was played at 12:30 p.m. EDT because of arena availability, the teams need to lock in potential playoff dates way ahead of time. Transgender debate The WNBA has criticized those trying to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league. “There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA, and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others,” a league spokesperson said in August after an anti-hate task force met virtually and discussed a variety of topics, including social media vitriol and transgender athletes. The league’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but it does not include any more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women. The league has said they aren't eligible. Welcome back Houston Comets The Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston as the Comets will return after folding in 2008. The Sun were bought by the Houston Rockets ownership group led by Tilman Fertitta for $300 million. The Comets will begin play next season and are tied with Toronto for the best chance to win the WNBA draft lottery that will be held on Nov. 15. While the Sun relocated to Houston, there will be no expansion teams entering the league next year. Cleveland will enter in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.

NBA: Rockets beat injury depleted Thunder

Nov 1, 2026

NBA: Rockets beat injury depleted Thunder

HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. had 30 points and nine rebounds, Marcus Smart added 24 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98 on Saturday night. Smith shot 10 of 18 from the field, including 6 of 12 on 3-pointers. Smart was 7 of 10 on 3s as the Rockets shot 46%

Bodybuilding Arnold Schwarzenegger fan inspires Afghanistan’s Hong Kong Sixes triumph

Nov 1, 2026

Bodybuilding Arnold Schwarzenegger fan inspires Afghanistan’s Hong Kong Sixes triumph

A former bodybuilder who grew up in a Pakistani refugee camp and idolises Arnold Schwarzenegger has captained Afghanistan to victory in a cosmopolitan Hong Kong Cricket Sixes that “showcased this vibrant city to the world”. He was aided by the unheralded Imran Mir, who had mustered one run from his previous two innings in the tournament, but smote 53 from 14 balls in the final as the Afghans chased 116 to beat Australia by four wickets on Sunday and become the Sixes’ eighth different...

NBA: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace out for Thunder

Nov 1, 2026

NBA: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace out for Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY — Chet Holmgren will miss about two months because of a right knee injury, continuing the Oklahoma City Thunder’s run of bad injury news early in the season. Already potentially without Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace for the rest of the regular season, the Thunder said Holmgren began experiencing discomfort in his knee

Recommended