Blake Griffin, Paul George no-show in friendly match against Gilas Pilipinas

NBA stars Blake Griffin and Paul George will not make it to the Philippines for the pair of exhibition games against the Gilas Pilipinas national team, organizers announced on Tuesday less than two hours before the start of the first matchup.

 

The Los Angeles Clippers' Griffin, who had been at the center of the promotions for the friendly series, taped a recorded video message released by the public affairs group of PLDT, which bankrolled the event.

 

"First of all, I really apologize for not being there with you," said Griffin. "Something from home needed urgent attention but I do hope to make it up to you and be out there soon."

 

The Indiana Pacers' George, meanwhile, was also reportedly attending to a personal matter.

 

The matches will still push through with James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, and reigning NBA finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs leading the charge for the NBA players. — JST, GMA News