In a duel of former NBA cagers on Friday night, Manny Harris emerged triumphant over KJ McDaniels.
The 6-foot-3 import had 40 points, nine assists, seven steals — four off McDaniels — and six rebounds. He led the Road Warriors to the 126-113 win while also dealing the KaTropa their first loss in the 2019 Governors’ Cup.
That wasted the efforts of McDaniels, who set the pace for the Texters with 42 points, 13 boards, and eight dimes.
But at the end of the day, Harris, a 30-year-old native of Detroit, has nothing but respect for the former Philadelphia 76er and Houston Rocket.
“He a great player, especially in this league. He’s been showing it all year and it could have gone either way tonight,” said Harris, who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Dallas Mavericks.
“Luckily, our team got the win and I’m proud of that.”
Harris may have impressed yet again with his second-straight 40-point outing, but he did not take all the spotlight. Instead, he credited his fellow Road Warriors — four more players finished in double figures, largely thanks to their 30 dimes.
“To be honest, our team helped a lot. Our team played great today. Everybody who stepped on the court, even the bench, gave us energy all day. They helped us tonight a lot,” said the nine-year pro out of the University of Michigan.
The victory meant plenty for NLEX, as it has assured itself of a quarterfinal spot. Still, Harris remains unsatisfied.
“I think it gives us confidence and it feels good for now. We know it’s just one game and there are a lot more of games to be played. We should enjoy it tonight but come back to practice, ready to work, and get better,” he said.
“I think we showed good heart, and fight, and resilience, but like I said — it’s just one game, and there are a lot more games to go. We should enjoy it tonight but come back to practice ready to work hard and get better.”
