Just when everyone was thinking that Anthony Semerad was just an afterthought in the blockbuster trade that occured last month, he suddenly delivers
With less than seven minutes in the fourth quarter, Anthony Semerad launched from three-point distance, but his shot missed. It turned out to be his third missed trey in the match, with none made.
The Fil-Australian was on the verge of a sour shooting night, but that did not stop him from trying. After a timeout, he was even seen standing near the left wing of rainbow country; measuring, and trying to regain his form.
And that simple move turned him into Tuesday night’s brightest star.
The 6-foot-5 forward caught fire afterwards, nailing four staggering triples down the stretch to take down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 107-103, and help move the TNT Katropa to move just a win away in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“I just wanted to stay focused,” said the three-year pro, who finished with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting from outside, regarding the fiery display he had shown in the clutch. “The ball came to me and I just hit those shots.
“I mean for all of us, if we have an open shot and it’s a good shot, [and] within the system, [we] take it.”
Even TNT head coach Nash Racela acknowledged the San Beda alumnus’ excellent shooting, saying that Semerad’s output is what they needed to survive in this playoffs.
“Tony hit some big shots today,” the first-year coach remarked about Semerad, who had played in just two games for TNT during the elims.
“Those are the things that will help us in the playoffs.”
And for Semerad, it was all about giving his best that stretch, and he was also inspired to play more now that he is on a team that has a great chance of making it to the title match — a feat TNT haven’t achieved since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
“I just want to give it all my best, give every shot that I can take and hopefully we can get there this time [championship], for me it’s my first time [in the PBA],” said Semerad.
And after Tuesday night’s performance, Semerad’s confidence is now on a high.
“If I can do it again, why not? I’ll come back in confident and if it’s open, take it.”
