MERALCO enjoyed a rare offensive outburst from Kelly Nabong, but the Fil-Am forward says it still all comes down to defense.
Nabong knew that his explosion may have been for naught had it not for the Bolts' defensive stand in the final 12 minutes.
"That's our thing. Thats what got us to our record right now. We’re No. 1 on defense, fastbreak points. Thats what we do. We lock up everybody who comes to the gym with us," Nabong said.
Known primarily as an enforcer and a defensive presence, Nabong again showed he can be an asset on offense as well as he turned into a scorer in Meralco's win over Blackwater on Sunday.
[See Jared Dillinger, Alex Stepheson deliver as Meralco frustrates Blackwater to move closer to quarters]
Nabong scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, making five of his six shots after averaging just six points in their previous five games.
The substitute big man knocked down shot after shot to make the Elite defense pay for sagging off him and doubling up on Alex Stepheson most times.
"I practice that everyday. Day in day out we're in the gym three hours a day, I get up at least 250 shots at practice. It's all about repetition and confidence," said Nabong.
"Coach Black, actually he puts a lot of pressure on us but at the same time he gives us a lot of confidence," he added.
The Bolts as a team gave up 80 points in the first three quarters but made up for it as they choked the life out of the Elite offense in the fourth, limiting them to 11.
Nabong also vowed to grab every opportunity to deliver on offense.
"Most definitely, you can expect more. If coach Norman gives me the chance, I’ll take it and run with it."
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