Justin Chua knew he had to make up for lost time after an appendectomy kept him out of Phoenix’s last three games in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
That’s what he exactly did on Wednesday night when the Fuel Masters made their Commissioner’s Cup debut as he helped hold off the Blackwater Elite.
“When we had our exit meeting, I felt so bad not being able to help the team and I told coach I will make up to the team as soon as I return,” Chua recalled in Filipino after Phoenix escaped with a 107-102 win.
“So when I returned, I made it a point to work on my game and prepare myself for the coming conference. I kept practicing even when the team took a break just to catchup and so far the results have been good.”
Chua hit timely baskets en route to a career-high 17 points on top of nine rebounds in only 15 minutes, giving import James White ample help to survive a strong second half by the Elite, who pulled even late after trailing by as much as 22 in the second quarter.
The 28-year-old Chua said he and White have developed good chemistry which helps both of them flourish when they’re inside the court at the same time.
“I spoke to him right away the moment he arrived and I told him I’ll help you with whatever you need because our system is new to him and talking to him will make it easier for him to adjust,” he said.
“I think we have a good camaraderie. We always help each other inside the court.”