Reigning PBA Governors’ Cup Best Import AZ Reid of the San Miguel Beermen may be known for being a volume shooter from downtown, but in Game 1 against the Alaska Aces, the prolific scorer showed how multi-faceted he was, helping his team beat the Aces from the low block.
Averaging 7.7 three-point attempts in the elimination round and 9.3 in the semi-finals, Reid only fired 4 tries in Game 1. Instead of hoisting long-range shots, Reid opted to post up several times and was dominant against whoever was playing the four position for the Aces.
“I took four threes and I did not make one so I had to go back to the block where I started. I had to pick my spots and I am not a one-dimensional, catch-and-shoot three-point shooter. A lot of people think I am because I don’t post-up much, but I take what the defense gives me. I am just trying to pick the spots,” Reid said.
“In Rain or Shine, I do it the whole time, but here, I do not because I have a Shaquille O’Neal on my team,” Reid shared, talking about the presence of June Mar Fajardo. “But if they let me post-up, I will post them up and if they let me shoot, I am going to shoot. I take whatever they give me.”
With another big in tow, it was difficult for a smaller team like Alaska to throw double teams on the strong side where Reid is posting up, as the import is also a good reader.
Reid finished with 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 14-for-29 field goals, helping his team win from inside as San Miguel posted a 36-28 edge in points in the paint.
With another monster performance, Reid may have already locked in a third Best Import award, but for the reinforcement, it is “not his main concern” as he vies for the championship.
“Winning it for third time is a blessing but I am not sure. I hope I get. If not, it is what it is,” he said. “We have to focus on what San Miguel is doing. We have to be well-prepared and take every punch they throw at us.”
