Meralco guard Chris Banchero. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–A game-time decision before the series opener due to an assortment of injuries, Chris Banchero played for nearly 15 minutes in Meralco’s series-opening victory against Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night.
Though he finished with just two points, Banchero proved to be an undeniable presence in the 104-91 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum through his six assists and four rebounds.
Such commendable performance had the Filipino-Italian playmaker leading the Bolts in the plus-minus category with +14.
“Everybody’s kinda got injuries here and there but it’s the Finals,” he told reporters on his way out of the Big Dome.
Banchero said that there’s not much to talk about his bodily woes, as “everybody’s got kinda bumps and bruises.” What’s important, he added, is that he’s ready to see this race-to-four series through.
“I’m OK. Good enough to play,” he said. “That’s all that really matters.”
A mid-conference acquisition from free agency, Banchero has been providing Meralco stability on the playmaking and affording Norman Black a better rotation for his personnel.
“He still has not practiced in about three weeks, so it’s amazing that he can go out and still play like that without practice time,” the Meralco mentor said.
“Hopefully … he’ll be a bit better in Game 2,” he added.
And Banchero seems primed to be. After all, this is the final leg for both teams and the biggest prize is at stake.
“Like I said, it’s the end of the conference. We just got to be there mentally more than physically, so I’m good to go,” he said.
“I’m a hundred percent. Like I said it’s the championship (series), there’s not much more to talk about,” he added.