JAMES Yap spent a rare respite from practice with San Mig Coffee on Saturday with a relaxing trip to Batangas.
It was well-deserved.
After the two-time league MVP played through a tender right knee and bone spurs on his right ankle to lead a 106-82 demolition of Rain or Shine in Game Two of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Friday night, a day off is the least that coach Tim Cone can give his top gunner.
The San Mig star was nothing short of spectacular against the Painters, making seven three-pointers for 34 points and adding 10 rebounds in a performance that enabled him to beat out Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva for the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award for the period covering Decemebr17-23.
"He's been a warrior having to play through a myriad of injuries and he certainly came up with a big performance just when we really needed it to match his moniker Big Game James," gushed Cone later.
"He's a remarkable player playing remarkable basketball and he can make the game so easy at times."
For the two-time MVP, it was simply a matter of doing what he can for the team.
"Kailangang mag-step up," he said. Besides, he added a big game was the best gift he can think of in this most joyous of seasons for the Mixers' supporters as well as for league fans. "Malapit na ang Pasko kaya maganda na sigurong gift sa mga supporters ng team at ng PBA."
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