DISLOCATED pinkie or not, Chris Newsome isn't slowing down or taking precaution, more so with Meralco hanging on for dear life.
The team’s long-time leader is ready to play through the pain as the Bolts try to avoid going down 0-3 against TNT Tropang 5G in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.
Newsome dislocated his little finger with just five minutes gone in Game 2 of the series last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
He went back to the bench to have the jammed finger examined, but not long after, Newsome was back on the floor. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists in a 109-92 loss and a 0-2 deficit in the best-of-seven series.
The Fil-Am guard out of Ateneo said the Meralco physician popped the injured finger back in place, and had it taped for Newsome to be able to play.
“It’s unfortunate to sustain an injury like that, but I’m the type of player that as long as I can get to the court, I can go out there and run and still catch the ball and shoot, I’m going out there and give it all I can,” he said.
“It’s part of the game. It’s like anyone getting a sprained ankle, and anything like that. But I’m motivated and ready to go. Just excited for Friday.”
Newsome discounted having surgery on the injured finger.
“I don’t think so. As of now, not yet,” he said, noting he also disclocated his middle finger while playing for Gilas Pilipinas, but didn’t undergo any procedure.
“We’re in the middle of a series. I don’t think time is on my side so I just have to go on and roll with the punches.”
Newsome said the Bolts are definitely playing with an even greater sense of urgency as another loss could be hard for the team to make a comeback especially against a talent-laden unit like TNT.
Still, the fighter in Newsome remains as the series isn’t over yet.
“They (Tropang 5G) have to win 4. And that’s the biggest takeaway for us that they have to win 4 and we can’t let these two losses affect our morale and team spirit. So that’s the main thing,” he said.
Game 3 is on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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