Rey Guevarra wins the Slam Dunk competition anew. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BATANGAS — Rey Guevarra is still the undisputed Dunk King.
The Phoenix high-flyer reclaimed his throne, edging out Renz Palma in the Slam Dunk Contest in the 2018 PBA All-Star Week Friday at Batangas City Sports Center.
Guevarra unleashed an off-the-bounce windmill dunk to put the results beyond doubt, netting 40 points from the judges to end the highly-entertaining Slam Off.
PERFECT 40! REY GUEVARRA GETS HIS 4TH SLAM DUNK TITLE! #PBAAllStar2018 pic.twitter.com/mbZxwwaI0R
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) May 25, 2018
The veteran forward outlasted the younger Palma, whose 360-dunk from near the foul line only got 39 points.
“This is the hardest contest I’ve ever been in,” he said. “Everybody knew what dunks I could do, so I was really forced to show off some new slams.”
Guevarra jumped over a motorcycle and teammate JC Intal to delight the crowd in the Finals where he took on an athletic Palma, who displayed his impeccable leaping ability. The two ended up in a stalemate, finishing with identical 75 points after two dunks.
RENZ PALMA CAN FLY! 39 POINTS! #PBAAllStar2018 pic.twitter.com/zOsF2eJyLD
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) May 25, 2018
“I was really challenged by him. Because of him, I had to raise the bar so that I could edge him,” he said.
Guevarra also beat former titlist Chris Newsome, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Lervin Flores, and Marion Magat in the competition.
He also took home the P30,000 cash prize and bagged his fourth Slam Dunk title in five years.
Guevarra has now moved second to Niño Canaleta, who has five, for most Slam Dunk titles.
And if the opportunity presents itself, he said that he won’t hesitate going for the record.
“In God’s time, let’s see if I could still do it. If I get the chance, I will really try to get that fifth championship,” he said.