Allein Maliksi is more than just getting buckets.
While it’s well-established that he can score in bunches on any given day, the 34-year-old guard has actually been showcasing other facets of his game in Meralco’s last two outings in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup.
He did star in the Bolts’ gritty 80-74 win over Rain or Shine last Sunday as he poured 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. That performance also saw him grab a conference-high six rebounds in 27 minutes of play.
The 10-year veteran then displayed his passing acumen in their 107-95 beatdown of Terrafirma in Antipolo. There, he dished out six assists – another personal-best in the tilt – alongside 18 points and four caroms.
Maliksi earned Player of the Game honors both times.
For head coach Norman Black, such performances have all been a result of the UST product feeling ‘very comfortable’ with Meralco, whom he’s been playing for since October 2019 after a trade by Blackwater.
“He just seems to be very comfortable with the team,” the champion mentor offered. “He knows that he’s going to get his looks at the basket. He’s gonna get his shots, ’cause our offense is really built around that.
“At the same time, he’s just relaxed a little bit, and he’s doing other parts of the game that help us win,” he added.
“He was passing the basketball. Allein is also a pretty good rebounder. He’s very underrated as a rebounder.”
Black is indeed glad to see Maliksi’s improvements.
“And I think his defense has been much, much better this conference. So, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in his all-around game,” said the 64-year-old.
“But of course, his offense is the main part of his game.“
Maliksi, though, said that such games were all thanks to the Bolts.
“We’re all trusting our teammates e,” he said. “We’re trusting the system. We play together, and we play as a team.
“Makikita mo naman sa tinatakbo nung teammates ko tsaka sa buong team namin.”
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