Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Though still bummed about losing out in the Best Import race, AZ Reid knows that a bigger prize lies ahead.
“It’s always business. I’m just trying to win the game. I have one goal. My eyes is on the prize and that’s to win a championship,” the two-time Best Import awardee said. “I can’t care less for anything else. I need it for my pride. My teammates are doing everything in their power to get it. I appreciate how hard we’re playing with heart.”
Now, with San Miguel moving a game away from the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup title, Reid knows that the Beermen can’t get too ahead of themselves.
“I’ll have the same mentality coming to Friday’s game. You don’t get to happy, don’t get too giddy. One game at a time, Game 4 is my goal right now and that’s what I’m preparing for on Friday,” he said.
Reid was once again the guiding light for San Miguel with 41 points and 12 rebounds, but he rued the mistakes he committed in the Beermen’s 96-89 Game 3 conquest, especially the missed free throws and turnovers.
“I know I still can do better. I missed six free throws and made eight turnovers. I have to do better, I have to be better, and I’ll be better,” he said.
Many people expected a close series between the two teams. However, San Miguel has been completely dominant, and with Game 4 set on Friday, the Beermen can sweep the Aces and win their 21st title for the franchise.
Reid explained that there’s no secret to their success other than teamwork.
“We have a lot of good players. They can’t stop everybody. It’s gonna be hard doing that. We just got to keep on playing. When we lose, I say stay positive. If we win, we stay positive. My approach don’t change. If you watch me, I don’t change, this is AZ. I’m not gonna change. Best import, worst import, AZ is going to be aggressive. It’s all I know,” he said. “I’m hungry and I want to have it. I got to have it.”
And he’s bracing for a killer series-closer on Friday, one which might also be his final PBA game.
“I hope (it’s my last game). It’s close and I can feel it. We want it. We’re coming to war on Friday.”