Christian Standhardinger has received numerous hits from Calvin Abueva in the semifinals of the 2019 PBA Philippines Cup.
Still, the 6-foot-8 Filipino-German has no qualms about their exchanges.
“It doesn’t matter if Calvin spits around and plays physical,” shared Standhardinger.
“At the end of the day, he’s a good guy.”
Back in Game Two, Standhardinger accidentally kicked Abueva in the face after a loose ball skirmish that resulted in his ejection. On the other hand, Abueva flashed the dirty finger after being disqualified.
Both stalwarts were fined by the league as well.
Six days later, the two were at it again, pushing for position all game long.
Though Standhardinger finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, it was Abueva who had the last laugh as Phoenix took Game Three, 92-90.
“Still mad at me for last game I guess? Still love him though,” Standhardinger quipped about the skirmishes he had with Abueva.
“So, you got to stay in your game, stay in your zone, don’t let anyone provoke you.”