NBA legends wow crowd

MANILA, Philippines - Showing flashes of their old deadly selves, the visiting US All Stars dealt the Philippine All Stars  a 112-93 beating in last night’s PLDT All Star Basketball Challenge at the Mall of Asia Arena last night.

The legends of the NBA flaunted deft shooting touch, hitting 14 baskets from beyond the arc led by Jason “White Chocolate” Williams’ five, Mitch Richmond’s four, and Scottie Pippen’s two.

With Williams scoring 16 of his 26, the Americans stormed ahead to a 17-point lead at the halfway point. The Pinoys got to within six, 77-83, on a triple by Kenneth Duremdes, but the Americans unleashed a giant counter-assault to secure the win.

More than anything else, it was a game of nostalgia as the legends from the NBA relived some of their characteristic moves.

Williams knocked down treys left and right, as did Richmond. Pippen found his way to the hoop and finishing with a two-handed slam and two more throw-downs, not to mention two booming triples that gave the US a 108-85 lead. Grant grabbed power rebounds and made easy shots.

As for Rodman, he was content attempting from rainbow territory. He missed the mark totally in one such try, the ball going to Pippen who swished it in, and “the Worm” gesturing  to his old Bulls teammate as if saying it was a good assist. He did make two long shots in the second half.

The Pinoys also had “this-looks-familiar” antics. Bal David dished it off to Marlou Aquino down low for a bucket. Duremdes drilling it from outside coupled with nifty moves inside. Bong Hawkins tried back his way against Rodman at the post. Locsin bulldozed his way through for an up-and-under shot, like Asaytono’s barrelling drives.

Pippen backstopped Williams with 20 points followed by Richmond’s 12.

Duremdes fired a game high 29 for the PBA greats, supported by the 11 apiece of Locsin, Aquino and Hawkins.

Notes:  The fashion trend for the night was basketball jersey on top of a shirt. Some donned the collectible red jerseys they bought at the lobby, others the 1990s Bulls tops of Pippen and Rodman. They were even those wearing LeBron James’ famous No. 6 for the Heat. US Ambassador Harry Thomas came in clad in Homestead Grays white baseball jersey...Dennis Rodman’s estranged father Philander Rodman watched silently on courtside, wearing a cap embossed with “I am Dennis Rodman’s father.”  Dennis publicly acknowledged his old man in a speech near the end of the match to the applause of the crowd...Pinoy legends used a powwow to ask Pippen and Rodman to sign shoes, jerseys, caps, etc.