RJ ABARRIENTOS atoned for his shooting slump during the first two games of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals with a performance to remember in Game 3.
Abarrientos had a near-triple-double when he collected 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in Barangay Ginebra’s 100-90 over San Miguel last Sunday.
READ: Abarrientos' near-triple double sparks Ginebra win over SMB in Game 3
The rookie shot 9-of-19 from the field, a marked improvement from his 4-of-21 in the first two games of the semifinals against the Beermen.
He even shot a poor 1-of-12 in Game 1, including missing all six threes in the Gin Kings' 73-71 win over SMB where they had overcome an 18-point deficit.
RJ, all day
As it turns out, the coaching staff's full faith despite his struggles is what encouraged Abarrientos to keep at it.
“Nakatulong sa akin ‘yung pag-motivate sa akin ng mga coaches,” Abarrientos said. “Lahat sila, sinasabi sa akin, if I have a shot, take it. Parang hindi nila ako pinipigilan. Nasa akin na ‘yun kung paano ko babasahin, paano ko ire-ready, at paano ko makikita ‘yung game kapag nasa akin ‘yung bola.”
And in Game 3, the green light was very much turned on for him, as he even hit a desperate four-point shot with the shot clock winding down to make it an 82-73 lead for Ginebra.
“Obviously, hindi naman talaga ‘yun tira na gusto namin. But ‘yun na ‘yung binibigay sa amin at binigay sa akin. Sabi ko thank God na nakakuha ko ‘yung shoot na ‘yun,” he said.
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