RAYMOND Almazan had some good-natured Christmas Day trash talking with import Cheick Diallo.
And he has some parting words with the former NBA player just before the PBA Commissioner’s Cup game between Meralco and Converge was over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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“Let’s see in the playoffs,” Almazan told the 28-year-old import as the Bolts bowed to the FiberXers on Wednesday, 110-84.
The two got entangle in a short verbal joust after Diallo blocked Bong Quinto’s layup and committed a foul with 2:57 left in the game and the FiberXers leading by a mile, 102-86.
Shortly after swatting the ball, Diallo wagged his index finger, while the Bolts, including Almazan, asked for a goal tending violation on the import for a possible three-point play.
Diallo then went over to Almazan, who was in street clothes due to an ankle injury, and exchanged some words.
While the veteran big man took the trash talking as part of the game, he also stressed Diallo should have given him some respect, hinting the import may have said something personal against him.
“Siya yung lumapit sa akin, e. For him na respeto lang din, kasi I’ve been in this league how many years, 12 years. So yun lang,” said the no. 3 overall pick in the 2013 draft.
“Kaya gusto ko sana makatapat namin sila sa playoffs.”
Both teams were called for technical fouls shortly after the sequence.
Diallo finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocked shots as Converge stretched its winning run to four and improved to 6-2 overall in a tie with guest team Eastern at third place.
As for Almazan, he is set for a comeback by January 5.
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