Stephen Holt was at the forefront of Terrafirma's charge in its first two wins against Converge and NLEX in the PBA Philippine Cup
Stephen Holt said that stats do not matter.
But his numbers made a world of difference for Terrafirma, which zoomed to a 2-0 mark to sit atop the standings together with Blackwater in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
This is the Dyip's best start since the 2016 Governor's Cup where they raced to a 4-0 card.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Stephen Holt shines with all-around game in Terrafirma's win over Converge]
Holt normed 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, four assists and 4.5 steals, in the Dyip's first two matches, with each of his performances earning him Player of the Game citations.
With his fine play, the 2023 draft top pick was unanimously adjudged the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week. He bested teammate Juami Tiongson and the Bossing’s Troy Rosario for the weekly recognition.
Holt immediately stole the spotlight in Terrafirma's opening match, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and five steals against Converge which Terrafirma won, 107-99, last March 1.
He then followed it up with a 17-point showing on an 8-for-12 clip he topped with seven boards, four assists and the same number of steals in the Dyip's second straight win against NLEX, 99-95, just two days later.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Stephen Holt stars anew in Terrafirma's second win vs. NLEX]
But there’s much work to be done for Holt and the rest of Terrafirma as they look to replicate their 2016 Governors’ Cup finish and make the playoffs again for the first time since then.
“It’s really difficult for a group like us that hasn’t tasted too much success,” said Holt.
“We just have to stay positive, keep working like we had in the lead-up to this conference. Again, we can only control what we can control," he added.