AIR21 forward Sean Anthony has been ruled out of the do-or-die PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal game against San Mig Super Coffee on Wednesday.
The 6-4 Anthony remains sidelined by an Achilles tendon strain on his left foot, an injury he sustained during the quarterfinal playoff against San Miguel Beer where he played his best games for the Express so far.
Express physical therapist Mike Sunga said Anthony is no doubt a valuable contributor to the team, but they have advised the Fil-Canadian forward not to play to prevent aggravating his injury.
“Malabo na siya for tomorrow, wear and tear na rin siya kasi naging injury na raw niya 'yan before nung nasa Barako Bull pa siya,” Sunga told Spin.ph on Tuesday.
Should the Express overcome the Mixers in Game Five, Sunga said the former McGill standout may have a strong chance of playing in the Finals against unbeaten top seed Talk 'N Text - ironically the same team that dealt Anthony and Eloy Poligrates to Air21 in exchange for KG Canaleta.
Anthony, who averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals in the Express’ quarterfinal upset of the Beermen, contributed a career high-tying 29 points in Air21’s 103-100 win over San Mig in the opener of the semis.
The hardworking Anthony though was held to just eight points as his injury began to worsen in Game Two. He has since failed to play in the last two games.
The Express managed to pull off a 94-91 win on Monday to forge a winner-take-all match against the Mixers behind a franchise record-setting 15 three-pointers made.
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