Fit-again Greg Slaughter says he's still getting ryhthm back after being sidelined by measles

GREG Slaughter stressed he’s yet to be in tip-top shape despite a decent performance for Ginebra against GlobalPort in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game on Sunday.

The Gin Kings star center played his first game on Sunday after being sidelined by measles the past two weeks, tallying 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, seven boards, one block, and one assist in 26 minutes opposite the Batang Pier.

“I’m still getting my rhythm out there,” Slaughter admitted. “If I find my rhythm, it's easy with O out there. He makes things so much easier.”

The 7-foot slotman was referring to import Othyus Jeffers, who struggled offensively on Sunday, putting up just eight points but with 16 rebounds and four assists after coming up with 31 markers against NLEX last Friday.

Good thing, Slaughter, who took some shots in practice on Saturday, made his return a game earlier than expected to give the Gin Kings a lift.

“It was actually coach Tim,” the Filipino-American center said. “He had the confidence in me, told me I could do it even though I had my doubts, and I'm really thankful to have a coach like that, to encourage me like that. The only way I could do it is to just do it.”

“Fortunately, we got another week before our next game and hopefully, I'll be back on my shape by then,” he added, referring to their game against Rain or Shine on Sunday.

With Slaughter in tow, the Gin Kings made a comeback from15 points down against the Batang Pier, but fell short.

“We were close, but we just got to look forward to the next game,” Slaughter said.

“We just got to stick to our game plan, execute,” he added. “The only way were going to win is by defense. We got to be a defensive team first and everything else follows after that. I know with coach Tim, everyone is about the triangle but we got to be a defense-first team.”