TONY Bishop allayed fears his banged up knee will get in the way of Barangay Ginebra’s campaign heading to the playoffs of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“It’s no concern. Don’t worry about it. I’m a tough player,” said the 34-year-old Bishop after leading the Kings past the Northport Batang Pier on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, 103-93.
“I played through injuries a bit. It’s part of the game. Going to the playoffs, I don’t know anybody who’s not banged up.’
Ginebra coach Tim Cone disclosed Bishop didn’t practice the past two days after banging his knee in practice, and was actually a game time decision against the Batang Pier.
But despite hurting, Bishop played a huge part in the Kings’ third straight win as he finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and two assists and was part of that key 12-0 run the defending champions pulled off in the fourth quarter that allowed them the separation they needed against Northport.
The win also raised Ginebra’s record to 7-3 in a tie with San Miguel as it kept its hopes alive of gaining a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
“It was really a great performance tonight on both sides of the floor,” said Cone of his import. “Defensively, his ability to switch out on players really adds to our defense. And he controls the board with his length. So I keep telling him anything he gives us from the point standpoint is icing on the cake.”
The true warrior that he is, Bishop said he’ll keep on playing for Ginebra even with a banged-up knee.
“For me, I’ll continue to work hard and continue to get therapy. You know that’s part of basketball, that’s part of being a pro. So we’ll take it day by day,” said the import.
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