‘Hungry’ Durham has ‘nothing left to prove’ but lead Bolts to PBA title

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Is the third time going to be the charm for Allen Durham?

Well, the Meralco big man thinks so.

Durham has won the Best Import award the past two PBA Governors’ Cups, but those individual awards didn’t result to titles.

The Bolts were booted out of the finals twice and against just one enemy in Barangay Ginebra, but Durham is hellbent that his third stint with the Bolts is the time they will finally exorcize their demons.

“Personally, I have nothing to prove,” said Durham after their 109-106 opening day win over Columbian Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo. “I think we need a championship.”

“It’s all about the team right now, I don’t have anything to prove. You guys see me play, I’ve been here for three years so I focus on just the championship.”

Durham first played with the Bolts in the 2016 season but experienced bitter disappointment when Justin Brownlee hit the title-clinching triple in his face in the Gin Kings’ 91-88 Game 6 win.

The next year wasn’t too different as Ginebra won its second straight Governors’ Cup in Game 7 in front of more than 50,000 spectators at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. 

Durham said he’s not seeking retribution against Ginebra or Brownlee, but what he wants is another shot at the title.

“I’m just worried about us getting there [to the finals] against whoever is on the other side, we just got to finish,” said Durham who had 26 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists.

“I was hungry the first two times, and nothing’s changed. I still want to win the championship.”