by Derick Ramos
Hockey isn’t the only sport that can sell out the MTS Centre. The NBA came to town as the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves battled to the delight of 15,294 basketball fans. In front of an energetic crowd, the Bulls topped the Wolves 114-105 but the sight of 2014 first overall pick and reigning rookie of the year Andrew Wiggins is what the fans came out to see.
Wiggins, a Canadian native, scored just 2 for 8 from the field for 9 points in 24 minutes. Although it was the preseason, Wiggins wanted to give his best showing on home soil.
“I just wanted to go out there and play hard.” Wiggins told the media. “The fourth quarter I felt like I got in a better rhythm.”
The Bulls led from start to finish and was led by guard E’Twaun Moore. Moore had 18 points while Wolves rookie Tyus Jones countered with 18 of his own to lead his team.
Wiggins received the loudest ovation but fans were also thrilled to see future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett and 2015 first overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns of the Wolves. Chicago wasn’t short of star power as fan favorite Pau Gasol played while former Defensive Player of the Year, Joakim Noah, was relegated to cheering from the bench. Hall-of-Famer and Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish took in the action courtside.
The NBA season kicks off on October 27th.
Photos by Alfred Gaddi and Star Roxas | Filipino Journal