Playoff and title games possible in Dubai, says PBA commissioner

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud isn't discounting the possibility of holding a playoff game in Dubai in the future. More so, of bringing a championship match in the desert city. "At the right time and talking to the right people, our long-term goal is to hold playoff games here," said Salud as he addressed a crowd of Filipinos who welcomed the PBA delegation after arriving in Dubai for the special two-game series of the Commissioner's Cup featuring Rain or Shine, Barako Bull and the ever popular Barangay Ginebra. "I think it's possible to hold one best-of-three quarterfinals series here, while another series is being played back in Manila. Or we can play one Final game here,” he added. Saved for a snafu in flight scheduling in the last Philippine Cup, the PBA has successfully held regular games in Dubai the past four seasons. The ongoing second conference will have the Elasto Painters playing back-to-back games in two straight nights. They first take on the Energy on Thursday (12 midnight in Manila) and then battle the Kings on Friday (11 p.m. in Manila). Although the outcome of the two games has yet to be accounted as of posting time, Salud already announced the prospect of Dubai becoming host to a PBA playoff game as the league's way of thanking thousand Filipinos who keep supporting Asia's pioneering pro league. "Please note that we're already holding official PBA games here, not exhibition matches. To show more love and affection to our kababayans (countrymen), at the right time, we may bring playoff matches (in Dubai)," said Salud.  The PBA alreay played two games in Dubai last year featuring Talk 'N Text, Barangay Ginebra and B-MEG. — JVP, GMA News