There is no way The Kraken is sitting out a crucial match.
June Mar Fajardo defied orders from doctors and opted to play through calf pain in Game Five of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between San Miguel and Magnolia.
Fajardo did not let the discomfort dampen his spirits as he put up a double-double effort of 18 points and 15 boards in the Beermen's 108-98 triumph over the Hotshots at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
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Such was a testament to the seven-time MVP’s resolve especially after San Miguel absorbed back-to-back losses following a hot 2-0 start in the best-of-seven series.
“That’s June Mar Fajardo for you,” said Beermen mentor Jorge Gallent after the match that saw his charges rain down 16 three-pointers to move a win away from capturing a record-extending 29th crown.
“He will [do] everything to help this team. That’s what he did today. He told me he’s not going to rest today.”
Fajardo felt a twinge in his left calf last Friday, forcing him to play under four minutes in the second half of San Miguel's Game Four defeat to the defensive-minded Hotshots.
Fortunately for the Pinamungajan, Cebu native, he will have plenty of time to fully recover from the injury with two days of rest prior to Game Six action on Wednesday.
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With a lot at stake for San Miguel, the Kraken is expected to flex his muscles as the Beermen look to wrap it up against the Hotshots who will strive to stay alive in the crucial encounter at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.
Match will also air on RPTV, PBA Rush and the Pilipinas Live app.