Streaks keep going
Jaylen Johnson celebrated making a dagger three that kept Rain or Shine unbeaten after six games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a new dance move that once again epitomized his good vibes attitude.
“I got to do something for Gabe,” Johnson said after his 35 points propelled the Elasto Painters past the Converge FiberXers, 120-111, on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the team also feted Gabe Norwood, whose jersey was retired at halftime.
Norwood was pleased with what he saw as Rain or Shine continued to impress in the eliminations, with Johnson leading the charge.
Johnson is one of the shortest imports in a conference that allows teams to tap anyone regardless of height. But even at 6-foot-9, Johnson remains a marvel this conference.
Even if there was a bit of a dent in his reputation when he got suspended for one game for figuring in a fight with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin after just two games, Johnson remains a positive impact on a team that has a lot of colorful characters, from the players to even utility man Eric Nanas.
That in itself is a huge plus as far as coach Yeng Guiao is concerned.
“Of course, that counts a lot, the vibes, the attitude, just the environment that we create with the team,” Guiao said. “We always have fun during practices, but we always have competitive practices, and Jaylen really fits us not only with his style of play, but with his personality and character.”
Guiao also bared that Rain or Shine got some help from someone who had experience playing with Johnson in the not-so-recent past.
“We scouted him through KQ,” Guiao said, referring to Kevin Quiambao, who teamed up with Johnson in South Korea.
“We asked for KQ’s inputs on Jaylen and he guaranteed that he’s a good dancer. And we took him in because of that,” the firebrand coach said with a smile.
Of course, Johnson is more than a dancer, given his play has translated into good results. But keeping that form is now the main focus for Rain or Shine as its entry to the quarterfinals seems to be a matter of when.
The Elasto Painters go into the latter half of the elims, with the next three games being Terrafirma, Phoenix and Magnolia, teams in the middle to lower end of the standings.
“We haven’t did none yet,” Johnson said. “The main goal is the main goal and we want to go all the way to the end. We have to keep working every day, keep that consistency and show it on the court.”
Things are on the opposite for Converge as it fell to 1-5, despite the return of Juan Gomez de Liaño and Calvin Abueva finally making his debut for the new club.
Meanwhile, Bol Bol and TNT seek to bounce back from their loss to Meralco when it goes up against skidding Terrafirma at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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