NLEX guard Kevin Alas. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NLEX’s unbeaten run so far has KJ McDaniels’ fingerprints all over it.
But another big reason for the Road Warriors’ early success in this year’s Governors’ Cup is the play of Kevin Alas.
Alas’ steady playmaking helped NLEX go 2-0 following wins over San Miguel Beer and NorthPort and earn the first Player of the Week citation of the conference.
The 30-year-old nearly had a double-double with 12 points and eight assists on top of four rebounds in a 114-102 win over the Beermen in the opener last Wednesday.
He followed that up with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 120-115 squeaker over the Batang Pier in overtime on Friday.
“God did all that. I really felt the pressure but I just didn’t want to think about what’s happening. I was praying,” said Alas, whose free throws late in regulation and OT were crucial in holding off NorthPort.
Alas edged Chris Banchero and Matthew Wright of Phoenix, which also won its first two games, for the honor.
Jeron Teng and Robbie Herndon of Alaska (2-1) were also candidates for the award.
Alas hopes to sustain his form when NLEX takes on TNT later at 6 p.m. as the PBA returns to Araneta Coliseum for the first time since March 2020.