It’s not everyday PBA fans witness players whip up a 50-piece in the pioneering league in Asia.
But that’s not the case whenever the import-spiced conferences come along.
And in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, four prolific reinforcements spoiled us with these explosive performances.
Jamil Wilson - 50 points vs. NLEX
Jamil Wilson didn’t want to go out on a losing note. That’s why he gave it his all when the Converge FiberXers took on NLEX Road Warriors in their penultimate assignment this conference.
Wilson was so unstoppable he almost made the same move the entire game: post up on top of key, then spun right for a fade away jumper.
While the Road Warriors ran away with the 107-103 victory, Wilson’s performance was definitely a sight to behold.
Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson - 50 points vs. Rain or Shine
Here’s another 50-point performance that went down the drain.
Stepping in for his brother Rondae, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson made a splashing PBA debut with 50 points to go with 16 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
But that didn’t seem enough as the TNT Tropang Giga absorbed a 119-112 loss at the hands of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Worse, his brilliance was marred by a commotion between his brother and firebrand Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao late in the fourth period. All's well that ends well though, as TNT still makes the playoffs as RHJ went for 35 to beat Phoenix to cap the elimination round.
Bennie Boatwright - 51 points vs. Terrafirma
Ivan Aska was good on so many levels, but San Miguel Beermen needed someone to spread the floor. So they tabbed Bennie Boatwright.
The USC Trojans alum made his debut on Christmas and dropped 26 points in a 117-96 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters to formalize their entry into the playoffs.
But his best performance came in his next outing, as he dropped a 51 points on 61 percent shooting from the field to go with 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks opposite the Terrafirma Dyip, 132-110.
With the Beermen back at full strength, it didn’t seem a stretch to expect him to come up with another sizzling performance.
Zach Lofton - 54 points vs. NorthPort
When Meralco was looking for someone to replace fallen prolific import Su Braimoh (achilles injury), it didn’t look far.
The Bolts tapped their EASL reinforcement in Zach Lofton as stand-in import. And in his PBA debut, Lofton showed out right away and fired 54 points on built on 9 three-pointers.
With him in tow, the Bolts sustained their spark and drubbed NorthPort Batang Pier, 125-99.