MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater’s 83-80 loss to Rain or Shine in Game 1 of its quarterfinals series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup was undoubtedly a total collapse.
The Elite were up 80-72 with 1:32 remaining only to allow the Elasto Painters to go on an 11-0 run that Rey Nambatac capped off with huge three from the left wing with 2.3 seconds left to play.
That loss was gut-wrenching, to say the least, but big man Greg Smith, who replaced Staphon Blair as import, was unbothered with the loss and that he’s ultra confident they can bounce back and force a Game 3.
“Am I confident? I’m 120 percent confident we can win Game 2 and Game 3. I’ll put my life on it,” said Smith Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. “I know they’re hungry, I’m hungry and I won’t have a game like that again.”
Smith had a disappointing debut in the PBA going 2-of-11 from the field for 16 points, 12 coming from the free throw line, but did grab 19 rebounds.
His subpar performance carried on until the fourth quarter when he was practically non-existent, scoring just one point in the final frame.
Nevertheless, Smith said the chemistry that he has built with the team is enough drive for them to take the series back from the Elasto Painters.
“This team right here is a brotherhood, I came in the first day and they accepted me,” said Smith who played for Houston, Dallas, and Minnesota in the NBA from 2011 to 2016.
“I love it right now, I will play for them every time I come back. The organization’s great, the owner’s great, the coaches, this is one of the best teams in the league.”