IF there's any consolation for Ginebra fans after its 99-88 defeat to San Miguel in Game Three of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, it's the continuous improvement in Joe Devance's fitness.
Devance tore his plantar fasciitis just before Ginebra's quarterfinals series with Alaska and has been playing through the pain starting in Game Three of the semis series with Star with the help of pain killers.
The good news?
It's getting better to the point that Devance might not need to take those shots for the next game on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"It’s getting better. I only got one shot today and even last game I only got one shot," said Devance, who was normally taking two injections a game during their semis campaign against Star.
"Next game, I might try to not take a shot and see how that goes. We’ll see. But it’s getting better, though," he added.
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But that foot injury isn't the only thing that bothers the first pick overall of the 2007 rookie draft.
Aside from the foot injury, Devance has the unenviable task of guarding three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, hands down the most dominant player in the league today.
He did a good job containing Fajardo in Game Two, but he wasn't as successful in Game Three as Fajardo dropped 17 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Beermen to a 2-1 series lead.
"I’m just trying my best. That’s all I could really do," Devance said.
"He’s the best player in the league. I’m just relying on my teammates. It’s not just me, myself, but he had a great game today. He’s a big body. Just doing what I can. I gotta do a better job next game."