JOSHUA Munzon enjoyed playing in what he called a ‘special atmosphere’ after posting another stellar performance in his native land in the Westports Malaysia Dragons’ win over Alab Pilipinas last Sunday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The 22-year-old Fil-American guard led the way for the Dragons in their 101-91 overtime victory over Alab, finishing with 25 points and seven steals in front of a packed house at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.
It was Munzon’s first win in the Philippines in three games, where he has been consistent in performing well in front of his fellow Filipinos.
“It was special for me to play here with this atmosphere,” said Munzon, who made his Philippine debut when he was still with the Saigon Heat. “All the people that was here, it was special.”
But playing for a capacity crowd in a bigger arena like the brand-new Santa Rosa complex was the last thing in the mind of Munzon, who was more focused on his role for the last-place Dragons.
“At the end of the day, I didn’t really focus on the crowd. At the end of the day, I just go out there and do my job,” said Munzon.
[See Munzon haunts Alab yet again as Dragons win road game in OT]
Munzon also held his own against Alab star Bobby Ray Parks Jr. In fact, he even got a crucial steal off Parks in the overtime period which he turned into a fastbreak lay-up.
“He is a very good player,” said Munzon, referring to Parks. “I just want to come out and play hard against him.”
While he played the hero’s role last Sunday, Munzon also lauded the efforts of the Dragons' locals, who scored 51 points in the victory.
“They have been stepping up. It shows that they can make plays, too,” said Munzon.
Despite being at the bottom of the team standings, the Dragons are still in contention for a semifinal berth with a 4-13 win-loss record. Munzon said the team is more focused on getting better each game.
“Whether we win or lose, at the end of the day, we want to make the right things and make the right plays,” said Munzon.