ARWIND Santos’ 'garbage-time' dunk in the dying seconds to cap San Miguel Beer’s sweep in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals did not sit well with Talk 'N Text team consultant Tab Baldwin, who confronted the one-time league MVP at the end of the game.
Instead of a congratulatory handshake for winning the game and the best-of-seven series in dominant fashion, the 6-4 Santos was met by an angry Baldwin, who apparently felt the dunk in the dying seconds of a won game was an insult to the Tropang Texters.
Baldwin was named the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas just a few days ago.
“Ba’t nag-dunk pa daw ako nung huli? Parang sabi sa akin, ‘Why did you do that?’” Santos said in after a 100-87 victory on Friday completed the first sweep of a best-of-seven series in the SMB franchise's 40-year history.
"Pero nag-apologize na ako kasi nandun na sa side ko yung nanalo na kami," Santos added.
[See San Miguel completes sweep of Talk 'N Text to reach PBA Finals]
Here's a picture of the dunk:
Santos said he had no intention to insult Talk 'N Text with the endgame dunk, which he said was meant to please the Beermen's fans and give them something to celebrate as the team returned to the finals for the first time since the 2013 Governors Cup.
“Kahit alam kong wala akong intensiyon (to insult the Tropang Texters), though kung tutuusin, that’s for the crowd eh. Alam mo naman ang ibang tao, mababaw ang kaligayahan. Makakita lang ng dunk, tuwang tuwa na eh saka excited kami tapusin 'yung laro, kaya nag-dunk ako kasi tambak na naman sila eh,” he added.
Still, the 33-year-old San Miguel forward said he won't let the confrontation spoil his night.
“Nag-apologize din naman ako. Alangan namang mag-pataas pa ako, di ko na kailangang mag-explain.”