Although Gabe Norwood struggled offensively in Game Two of the Rain or Shine-San Miguel PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series, his ability though to play multiple positions went in full display.
The Elasto Painters wing man played the four spot in the second quarter as the team went smaller, and defended Tyler Wilkerson for a certain stretch.
“I kind of had the idea. It’s like just how the game flowed the last time where I caught him on a lot of switches. I thought that stretch got us back to the game a little bit, changed the momentum, and got us on our side,” he shared after the Elasto Painters’ 98-96 win.
Rain or Shine trailed by as much 36-24 in the second period but went on to outscore the Beermen, 21-10 to close the first half down by just one, 46-45.
Wilkerson scored only seven of his 35 points in the second quarter, the lowest he has scored in a quarter in Game Two.
Norwood went on to defend San Miguel’s ball-handler late in the second quarter, and his length enabled him to help double-team Wilkerson at the post while not having to worry about recovering.
“I think it put us in a good position where we did not have to rotate that much,” Norwood added.
Norwood finished with three points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block in Game Two. Though Rain or Shine is now ahead 2-0 in the series, he said the team should remain composed, especially against the Beermen.
“We really just played hard. Everybody came out and competed really well. Luckily, by a tenth of a second, we came out with the win. It would be sweeter for us to get the win on Thursday but they’re a great team. They’re a championship team. They will come out and compete,” he said.
“Just stay composed and stay focused. It is a quick turnaround. We can’t celebrate too much because we play again on Thursday. It was really key to our game plan, and we play a lot of players so we shouldn’t be too tired. Everybody should be pretty rested and we just have to play with a lot of speed on Thursday.”
