JUNE Mar Fajardo said he was determined to play in Game Two despite dealing with a calf injury that he sustained in the opener of their PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra.
Fajardo saw action for the Beermen two days after complaining about tightness in his right calf after a Game 1 loss. Fajardo played 17 minutes and 39 seconds on Friday night and contributed two points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
READ SMB whips Ginebra in Game 2 as bench steps up for Fajardo
As a precautionary measure, the eight-time PBA MVP didn’t start, ending his consecutive streak of 78 games as a starter beginning in the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
“Semis na ‘to eh, lahat naman tayo, gustong manalo sa semis,” Fajardo said on his decision to suit up and make himself available for Game 2. “Managed minutes naman, good thing nakuha namin ‘yung panalo.”
Even with Fajardo playing limited minutes, San Miguel dominated Ginebra, 100-83, to even the semifinals at 1-1 after a game where the Beermen held leads as high as 23 points, and, unlike in Game 1, kept it until the final buzzer.
SMB lost Game 1, 73-71, after squandering an 18-point deficit.
Fajardo said the on- day rest in between Games 1 and 2, which he also used to see a doctor to determine the extent of his calf injury, was enough for him to be ready for Friday’s important contest.
Fajardo also made sure to mention the contributions of Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial in the Game 2 victory. Tautuaa had 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Brondial hauled a second-best eight rebounds.
“Okay naman, nakapaghinga naman ako,” said Fajardo. “Hindi naman masyadong heavy minutes. Commend sa mga bigs namin is Mo, Rodney, maganda naman, the whole team nag-step up naman lahat.”
Even though he played in Game 2, Fajardo said he remains unsure on when his calf will fully heal.
“Hindi ko alam, pero may gamot naman na iniinom. Basta pahinga lang. Isang araw, okay na siguro ‘yun. Tulog lang,” said Fajardo.
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