JAYLEN Johnson was thrilled to be part of PBA history right in his comeback game with Rain or Shine.
The easy-going import scored 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the Elasto Painters’ 151-95 massacre of Blackwater in the Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The team’s fourth straight win proved to be special as the 56-point winning margin stands as the new all-time record in the 50-year history of Asia’s pioneering pro league.
READ: ROS brandishes depth, firepower in 56-point romp over Blackwater
It eclipsed the 46-year-old previous mark of 55 points posted by U-Text against Great Taste, 154-99, during the Open Conference semifinals on July 12, 1980 as per the record provided by PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Told about the winning record, the 6-foot-9 Johnson was ecstatic about the matter.
“It’s amazing. I’m glad to be a part of history a little bit, you know,” he said. “I’m glad, I’m happy to be with these guys.”
Making the game even memorable was it served as Johnson’s comeback to the Elasto Painters after serving his one game suspension after figuring in a fracas with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin almost two weeks ago.
Despite his absence, Rain or Shine grinded its way to a 109-102 win over Meralco.
The 29-year-old said he watched and monitored the game against the Bolts and felt proud at how the Elasto Painters accounted for themselves even without him.
“Watched them the last game and I was just proud of everybody,” he said.
Incidentally, Rain or Shine’s total of 151 points also served as the new all-time franchise record, surpassing its previous mark of 139-95 which it scored against Meralco in the Philippine Cup eliminations in October of 2011.
Johnson can’t exactly recall playing for a team before which was this hot on offense before.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve been on a team that scored 150 points. I don’t know,” said Johnson stated.
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