It took six long games to finally witness the wrath of the Kraken.
In the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals series between San Miguel Beermen and TNT Katropa, June Mar Fajardo had become one marked man of the Katropa’s defense, resulting in subpar numbers by the center — subpar by his own standards.
Throughout the course of Games 1 to 5, TNT’s tough defense on Fajardo made him average just 18 points and 11 boards. But come Game 6, the 6’9″ behemoth finally got his groove on and unleashed the old Fajardo.
In Saturday night’s 104-88 victory that tied the series to 3-3 and sent it to a winner-take-all match on Monday, Fajardo finally solved the puzzling TNT defense on him, leading SMB with 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the floor along with 21 rebounds and four swats
The Cebuano’s noteworthy outing serves as a testament that he has now learned how to adjust to the Katropa’s defense. But for the 27-year-old, his 20-20 outing would not be possible if it had not been for the Beermen’s fluid motions in various possessions.
“Maganda kasi yung execution namin sa plays. Gumagalaw kami then gumagalaw din yung depensa [ng TNT] kaya nababakante ako, at nababakante din yung teammates ko,” shared Fajardo moments after Game 6.
However, the three-time and reigning Most Valuable Player admitted that overcoming TNT’s defense all over him wears him out.
“Nakakapagod. ‘Di biro yun. Ang lalaki nila. Si Kelly [Williams], tapos nandoon pa si Frank [Golla],” Fajardo shared.
Now that the Beermen have sent the series to a final game for a slot in the All-Filipino Finals, Fajardo and the Beermen believe that they can make it closer to the crown — or the Perpetual trophy, in their case.
“Kailangan namin magpahinga, kailangan mag-recharge. Practice kami bukas. Sundin namin mga plays namin at kaya naman namin manalo [sa Game 7],” told the Best Player of the Conference front-runner.
“Nandito na kami, so sayang kung papakawalan namin [yung pagkakataon].”
