Even after having scored 16 points after three quarters, Greg Slaughter knew he was having a sub-par performance for Ginebra on Sunday night, given how he has taken his game to a whole new level this PBA Philippine Cup.
Slaughter had averaged 23.7 PPG, 15.2 RPG, and 55.2 percent from the field in the conference entering the match against the NLEX Road Warriors, and he struggled on the floor early on.
“Sometimes, you’re not gonna always have it going,” Slaughter said.
Ginebra trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter, and Slaughter was as frustrated as the entire squad, as most of his inside shots rimmed out.
Slaughter shot only 7-for-15 overall and finished with 18 points (two points in the fourth quarter), but went on to atone for his sloppy offensive display with two defensive gems towards the end.
The Ginebra big first smothered a Jonas Villanueva attempt, eventually leading to two free throws by Scottie Thompson on the other end, which gave Ginebra a 91-90 lead.
He followed it with a swat at Sean Anthony’s attempt inside in the final 14 seconds to help Ginebra seal the miraculous comeback.
“I had to contribute somehow. I didn’t feel I was having a great game today. Good thing our second unit was able to come in there and just down the stretch I was able to contribute somehow and block (those shots),” Slaughter shared.
“Good thing we have our teammates behind us. That’s why we are a team. We showed the never-say-die spirit tonight, and (had) a big support from the crowd. Without them, we wouldn’t have made it back. They were going crazy.”
With one key match-up left against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, Slaughter hopes Ginebra continue to develop their chemistry and translate it into winning games.
“It’s just a complete team effort which we shall need come the playoffs. Just staying together and going out 100 percent every time, myself included. Just being ready every game.”
