TNT head coach Chot Reyes revealed that McKenzie Moore has been playing through pain, thus the subpar numbers so far in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
According to the decorated mentor, the American forward sustained a jumper’s knee, although he didn’t divulge any more details how he got such.
“To be very honest, it’s not what you expect from a regular import. The numbers prove that,” he said.
“But to be fair to him, he’s playing on a jumper’s knee.”
Moore has only been averaging 14.0 points on 36-percent shooting from the floor, alongside 9.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and one steal across two games.
He barely made himself felt in the Tropang Giga’s clash with Alaska, Friday.
The 29-year-old wasn’t even part of the closing unit. An all-Filipino crew led by Jayson Castro instead completed the comeback for the 81-77 win.
Reyes went on to explain the rationale behind the decision.
“We run a lot of defensive schemes, and it takes some time to be familiar with it e hindi pa kabisado ng import namin,” he said.
“So, I thought it was better that we go with the guys who already know what we’re doing,” added the straightforward bench tactician.
But then again, it’s never easy having to play while injured.
“He’s just really trying and forcing,” said Reyes of Moore, who finished with 13 markers, four boards, and four dimes versus the Aces.
“And [it has] severely hobbled his ability to move, to jump. He has no lift in his shots. Like I said, we’re just trying our best to get by.”
