CJ Perez now sees the need to involve his teammates more with the TNT defense tightening up on him lately in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
The San Miguel guard has scored only a total of 24 points in the last two matches, including 13 in Game Four on Sunday night that saw the Beermen absorb a 100-87 beating — and let their rivals tie the series at 2-2.
That, after scoring 20-plus points in the first two games, was highlighted by a 23-point showing in Game Two to help the Beermen to the 109-100 win.
“‘Yun din ‘yung isang concern ko e,” admitted the two-time scoring champion, referring to the defense against him.
“Kaya dapat talaga, maikot ko ‘yung bola, ma-distribute ko ng maayos para lumuwang ‘yung lane para sa’kin.”
It was an accurate assessment from Perez himself since he hasn’t been dishing the ball the way he did prior to the Finals. After averaging over four assists in the semis, he’s only had 2.0 so far in the championship bout.
And so for the BPC candidate, it’s all on him to step up and provide better if they are to oust the reigning champions from their throne.
“Talagang kailangan i-distribute talaga ‘yung bola. I think nasa sa’kin na lang … kung paano ako makakatulong talaga sa team,” said the 28-year-old.
The series is now reduced to a virtual best-of-five and for Perez, it would take more effort from him and the rest of San Miguel if they really want to regain control of the series in Game Five on Wednesday.
Plus, the need to take care of the basketball better after turning it over 15 times during Sunday’s loss — a stark contrast to the three turnovers of the Tropang Giga, which is the fewest committed in league history.
“Game Five, ano na lang, effort. Energy. Kung paano namin tatapatan ‘yung energy nila. And, kailangan namin ma-lessen ‘yung turnover.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
