ANTIPOLO — Joshua Munzon wasn’t shy to admit that the play wasn’t really meant for him.
Yet none from NorthPort, for sure, took it against him when he fired that gutsy triple in crunch time of their duel versus TNT on Sunday night.
It’s because he swished it in, and that’s what really matters. It proved to be the dagger as well, which enabled the crew to complete the upset and, more importantly, stay unbeaten in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
“The play wasn’t even for me. But, I mean, they found me, and I was open,” the 29-year-old said moments after their 100-95 win at the Ynares Center here.
That shot capped off another solid performance from the former top overall pick, who finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and four steals.
He’s been sustaining the fine play he had in their previous outing against Magnolia, where he submitted 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and five steals.
They did win against the Hotshots by way of a 107-103 decision and just as what happened here in Antipolo, they escaped thanks to a cold-blooded shot by Munzon: a four-pointer off a pull-up for the 100-95 lead with 49.6 ticks left.
(C) PBA Images
It was a week to remember for the former 3×3 star, who gave a reminder that he can still nail the biggest of buckets when needed even as he’s becoming more known as one of the league’s top two-way players today.
“I’m confident with myself,” Munzon said. “Every time I shoot the ball, I think it’s going in. Just taking that shot with confidence and I was happy it went in.”
Still, he won’t ever get tired of playing – and talking about – defense, reiterating that it’s been the reason behind the 4-0 start that they’re in the midst of.
Well, the 6-foot-4 winger exemplified as much against TNT when he forced Rey Nambatac to a turnover just moments after striking the dagger.
“We definitely knew that they were gonna give us their best game coming into this game. For us to be 4-0 right now is big for us. I think, like what Coach said, our defense is what pushed us through,” he said.
“And, everybody is sticking together, playing together,” added the eight-year pro out of Cal State LA. “Us playing as a team is what brought us guys here.”
