RAYMOND Almazan was determined to contribute for Meralco in the PBA Season 46 Governors’ Cup after missing the previous finals series due to an injury.
“Ang ganda nang nilalaro ko and then, lahat kami maganda nilalaro. Tied series tapos mai-injure ka. Masakit ‘yun,” said Almazan, recallingthe 2019 finals against Barangay Ginebra - his first in a Meralco jersey - which he mostly sat out due to a left knee.
The Meralco center helped his team get another shot at Ginebra on Friday night, burying all nine of his shots to finish with 18 points as the Bolts defeated Magnolia, 94-81, to close out the best-of-five series at 3-2.
No hesitation
The 6-foot-8 Almazan said he went into the game with the mindset of never hesitating when he gets an opportunity to take a shot.
“Iba na ‘yung approach ko ngayon sa game dahil do-or-die na eh. Wala na talagang bukas para sa amin. Sabi ko, talagang kapag meron akong mga open shots na ganun, ititira ko with confidence,” said the 32-year old.
"There’s no room for mistake kanina. Every possession mahalaga sa amin. Kahit ‘yung ibang teammates ko talagang ready at na-execute namin ‘yung game plan namin," he added.
Almazan said the victory over Magnolia will be a big boost to their confidence as they head into their fourth clash against Barangay Ginebra in the finals.
“Nagtulong-tulong lang kami. Alam naman natin na malakas ang Magnolia. Siguro may break din dahil hindi nakapaglaro si [Mike] Harris. We take that as an advantage at nakuha namin ‘yung win,” said Almazan.
“Sa sistema ni coach, ready lang ako. Every time na may gusto siyang pagawa sa akin, then I’m always ready,” said Almazan.
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