June Mar Fajardo finally got to play alongside Bennie Boatwright in San Miguel’s eventual win over Blackwater in Friday’s PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
It was the seven-time MVP’s first game back from a left metacarpal fracture but not a few looked forward not only to his return, but to how he and the sweet-shooting reinforcement would complement one another on the court.
The combination looks promising, as far as Fajardo is concerned, as the two helped lead the Beermen in clinching a win-once playoff incentive.
“Mas gumagaan ‘yung trabaho ko,” he told reporters moments after their 125-117 conquest of the also-ran Bossing at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “Sana laging ganoon, para hindi ako masyadong mabugbog.”
Boatwright himself was hardly bothered with Fajardo’s return, once again shooting his way towards another splendid showing.
The 27-year-old erupted for 44 points on 57-percent shooting from the field, including 8-of-17 from beyond the arc, in a performance that also saw him collect 12 rebounds and five assists in nearly 43 minutes of play.
He was the recipient of some passes by Fajardo, who finished the game with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, together with a steal and a block.
The Cebuano star said that it’s on him to locate Boatwright more often, given what the former G-League cager is capable of doing offensively.
“Kailangan basahin ko yung ano niya. Shooter talaga, scorer talaga. Kailangan ko siyang hanapin,” said the nine-time champion.
It would definitely be crucial for San Miguel should Fajardo and Boatwright master one another’s game, especially now that they’re headed into the quarterfinals — armed with a coveted twice-to-beat advantage.
“Sana, magtuloy-tuloy,” said the 34-year-old, whose team closed the eliminations with a fiery five-game winning streak to finish with an 8-3 win-loss record. “Sana, healthy na lahat pagdating ng playoffs.”
