CHRIS Ross’ desire to keep Marcio Lassiter going in Game 5 proved to be one of the difference makers for San Miguel.
Previously limited to being scoreless and one field goal attempt, Lassiter bounced back in Game 5 with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from threes in SMB’s 115-109 win over Barangay Ginebra.
“Marcio, it’s on me. Marcio had one shot last game and it’s on me,” said Ross. “We need to keep him going. He stepped up to the plate as well.”
READ: Ginebra fights for survival as SMB vets start to assert presence
Lassiter, however, said it wasn’t Ross’ fault that he uncharacteristically had just one attempt in Game 4, saying Barangay Ginebra’s defense was a lot more active against him.
“I’m always a team player and I always want to contribute. The defense was a lot tighter last game than other games. Games 1 to 3, they were a little bit more concerned about June Mar and Cjay. It allowed me to shoot more. In Game 4, I thought they were playing a lot tighter on defense,” said Lassiter.
“If we would have won, it’s fine. But we lost so it kinda hurts,” said Lassiter.
Lassiter was one of the recipients of Ross’ eight assists in Game 5 and a similar performance from both players in Game 6 would be a boost for their chances of closing the series out on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Lassiter said Ross’ play in Game 6 is a reflection of who he is as a player.
“That’s C-Ross for you. He is our leader and he just sees so many things on the court that not all people can do. And he just reads the game very well. When he wants to find someone, he can," Lassiter described.
"All it takes is a little crack on the defense for me to get the ball up. I thank Chris and all the players that they are finding me."
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