HAYDEN Blankley could be one of the focal points on defense for Barangay Ginebra come Game Seven of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals with the way he is shooting in the series.
How crucial will Hayden Blankley's offense be in Game 7?
Overshadowed by Myles Powell’s huge night on Wednesday, Powell also delivered with 23 points after shooting a series-best 6-of-10 from threes in Game Six in front of more than 21,000 fans on their way to an 87-84 win to force a knockout contest for the Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Blankley has been steady from the outside in the series. In Game Five, the Chinese-Australian drained five threes and a finals-high 29 points but in a losing effort.
The Bay Area cager admitted he has started to get used to playing in front of a huge crowd through the series.
“I don’t want to jinx it or anything. But I think the experience playing in front of these big crowds for six games in a row now has definitely helped me. It just helps seeing a couple (of shots) in early,” said Blankley, who in Game One was 0-of-9 from the outside.
“It got to a point now where I’ve blocked the crowd really well. First few games, I was struggling and I think I’m learning now that I can block them out a little bit and play the game,” said Blankley.
The learnings throughout the series has come in handy for the entire series as the Dragons play one more game for the crown on Sunday at the Philippine Arena.
“I think everyone that went in there left it all out there,” said Blankley in their effort in Game Six. “Even when we were up… we know it’s not over. Ginebra has guys that can make big plays. Scottie Thompson, Brownlee, they are weapons and they are scary.
“We have to be locked in until the very end,” said Blankley.
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