FILE PHOTO — Manny Pacquiao during his visit at the Warriors headquarters. Photo from warriors.com
HOLLYWOOD—When not boxing, Manny Pacquiao is talking basketball.
The eight-division world champion’s cage passion was evident Monday as Team Pacquiao’s discussions were centered on the National Basketball Association.
During breakfast, Pacquiao predicted that the Golden State Warriors will surpasse the National Basketball Association record of 72 victories for the season set by the 1996 Chicago Bulls spearheaded by the great Michael Jordan and supported by Dream Team member Scottie Pippen and rebound demon Dennis Rodman.
“The Warriors can do it because they have too many shooters,” said Pacquiao, referring to reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry, Klay Thomson, Brandon Rush, Draymond Green and Marreese Speights.
With 66 victories against seven losses, the Warriors, who trounced the Philadelphia 76ers (117-105) on Sunday, are on track of eclipsing the 72-10 mark of the Bulls, who eventually won the title.
Pacquiao said save for the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors, who boast a 53-win streak at home, have relatively lighter assignments in their last nine assignments.
Of course, the Warriors also need to retain their crown to accentuate their feat.
During lunch, topic shifted to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors match they watched at Nat’s Thai Food here.
Though Pacquiao and his group, that included 1998 PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes and former pros Zaldy Realubit, Emerson Oreta and Jose Francisco, were unable to finish the game, they saw the Thunder eventually prevail, 119-110, at the Pacquiao’s home at North Plymouth Blvd.
Also widely discussed are the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics, Pacquiao’s favorite team, that ended in favor of the Clippers, 114-90.
Pacquiao’s involvement with basketball, of course, goes back a long time having fielded his own teams in several leagues.
Currently, Pacquiao is listed as the playing coach of the Mahindra Enforcers in the Philippine Basketball Association and owns the distinction of being its oldest rookie.