JUNE Mar Fajardo said the two days in between Games 4 and 5 proved to be the downtime he needed to rest his aching shoulder for San Miguel’s PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal campaign.
Fajardo got back to his usual scoring ways when he had 21 points in the Beermen's 115-109 Game 5 win over Barangay Ginebra, breaking a streak of two games where he only scored in single-digits.
READ: SMB one win away from PBA Finals after surviving Ginebra comeback
The nine-time MVP said he made sure to be as pain-free as possible for the pivotal Game 5 after the series came to a deadlock, and his shoulder bothering him since the start of the playoffs.
“Buti nakapagpahinga kami ng two days. Malaking bagay ‘yun… Medyo ok na kasi nagpahinga, nag-therapy ako,” said Fajardo, who also grabbed 11 rebounds for yet another double-double.
Team win for June Mar
Very much on-brand, Fajardo deflected credit to his teammates who also chipped in the victory, with five players ending up in double-digits for SMB.
“Credit sa mga teammates ko. Nag-step up din sila. Pero marami kaming foul. Buti nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” he said.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria said there was no doubt about Fajardo’s desire to play through the pain and the two days off were definitely a boost for him.
“He is not 100-percent. But a hundred percent or not, his game plan is still there. Kanina nga, gusto kong ilabas, pero sabi niya, huwag. Nilabas ko rin para magpahinga kasi hindi siya 100-percent,” he said.
“Fortunately, we had two days (off) after Sunday. Nakapagpahinga siya and was able to do something about his shoulder. Makikita mo sa kanyang mata na gusto niyang manalo. Even ‘yung defense niya, kaya he committed five fouls. During his fifth foul, ayaw pa rin niya magpalabas. But I have to take care of his fouls.”
Fajardo will continue to get treatment for Game 6 in hopes that the Beermen can finish off the Gin Kings.
“Crucial ‘yung panalo (in Game 5). Pero hindi pa rin puwedeng magkampante. Alam naman natin ‘yung Ginebra. Capable sila mag-comeback sa series. ‘Yun ang kailangan naming paghandaan sa next game,” he said.
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