Fans could not help but compare Adrian Nocum to players in the 90s with his acrobatic moves.
Like a raging bull charging at a matador, Rain or Shine young gun Adrian Nocum took Converge import Cheick Diallo 1-on-1 in open court then impressed with a slick reverse layup with still seven minutes left to play.
That was one of many highlight plays Nocum made in the Elasto Painters' 114-104 win over the FiberXers in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday, Feb. 7.
[RELATED STORY: Rain or Shine gets new lease on life with Game 2 win over Converge in PBA Comm's Cup QF]
While fans could not help but compare him to players of old like Samboy Lim and Vergel Meneses, Rain or Shine chief tactician Yeng Guiao begged to differ.
“Ano 'to, nag-iisa lang. Unique siya,” Guiao said after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
When its back was on the wall, Rain or Shine leaned on the rising star, who delivered a tour-de-force performance.
Nocum dropped 16 of his 28 points in the fourth period, including a back-breaking three-pointer with 2:59 to go that gave the squad a 110-98 advantage.
The FiberXers could not do anything from there.
[ALSO READ: Adrian Nocum looks back on roots as ‘Batang Tondo’ | PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup]
Despite his growing popularity and ever-improving play, the high-flying cager from Tondo always opts to keep his feet on the ground.
“Sa mga teammates ko rin [galing 'yung kumpiyansa.] 'Yun talaga ang dahilan kung bakit nakuha ko 'yung ganoong puntos,” he said.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa game plan ng coaches at [nakinig sa] suggestions ng teammates ko.”
Adrian Nocum soars for a layup in the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters' Game 2 faceoff with the Converge FiberXers in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Friday, Feb. 7. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Reinforcement Deon Thompson also delivered a solid performance after logging over 40 minutes on the floor, finishing with 28 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Jhonard Clarito added 19 markers for the Elasto Painters, who forced a deciding Game 3 on Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“I’m sure, by Sunday, we need to step up again. Do-or-die game for both teams. Isa lang ang sisiguraduhin ko: Pagdating ng Sunday, tapos na 'to,” Guiao said in jest, drawing laughter from the members of the press.
“Hindi ko lang alam kung sino ang mananalo. 'Yun lang ang prediction ko: Pagdating ng Sunday, tapos na 'to.”
Meanwhile, Jordan Heading paced the FiberXers with 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and a block while turning the ball over only once.
Stockton fired 20 points, while Diallo had 17 points and 15 rebounds.