Cjay Perez finally broke out of his mini-slump, playing his most efficient game offensively for San Miguel in the Beermen’s crucial 105-91 win over the TNT Tropang 5G on an emotionally charged Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Averaging just 13 points on 14-of-43 shooting in the first three games of the series after posting 20 a night before it, Perez shot an efficient 6-of-11 from the field to finish with 16 points, while also dishing out a team high five assists in the win.
READ: TNT grand slam bid in jeopardy as San Miguel races to 3-1 lead
The key for Perez is by taking a step back for a bit and letting his game come to him.
“I think okay naman ako nung Game 1 pero nung Game 2 and Game 3, struggling talaga siyempre yung defense nila naka-focus talaga sa'kin,” he said.
"Ngayon naman mas maganda yung rhythm ko kasi nakuha ko yung flow ng laro.”
Despite his struggles in the previous games, Perez is grateful that San Miguel hasn’t slipped one bit – being in a position now where he doesn’t need to shoulder the bulk of the scoring load alongside June Mar Fajardo.
READ: Jericho Cruz earns Jolas' ire: 'Dinadaan n'ya lahat sa yabang'
Heroes have come aplenty for the Beermen in the finals series – with veterans like Chris Ross, Jericho Cruz, Mo Tautuaa and Don Trollano, to guys like Jeron Teng and Juami Tiongson all having their moments one way or another in this series.
And Perez wouldn’t mind taking a step back once again if it means feeding the hot hand for the ultra-talented Beermen.
“It’s so fun seeing na lahat talaga kay mag-contribute. Nakita mo nung nakaraan ang ganda ng game ni Don, tapos sumunod si Jericho, maganda rin nilalaro ni Jeron so nakaka-proud lang talaga,” he said.
“Nakakatuwa na we have the talent at nagsusuportahan lang talaga kami talaga. "
READ: Ross, Jericho embrace Boss Al's advice to 'play with emotion'
A win away from reclaiming their throne, Perez wants to end this series on Wednesday if he’s to be asked.
Of course he knows that it’s gonna be easier said than done as a cornered TNT will certainly come out swinging for survival.
"Siyempre kailangan na namin tapusin pero hindi magiging madali. Kailangan namin pag hirapan talaga. Di lang ito. Every game mahirap. So sobrang paghahandaan talaga namin."
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