FILE–Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Gabe Norwood. INQUIRER PHOTO
Gabe Norwood made his way into the 5,000-point club on Friday amid the competitive nature surrounding Rain or Shine’s quarterfinal-clinching win over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Norwood completed the milestone in the Elasto Painters’ 119-112 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum by knocking down a pair of free throws with 7:31 remaining in the first quarter.
The veteran forward finished with four points, the same output he needed going into the game to reach the mark.
His entry to the exclusive club, however, was forgotten a bit after an incident that marred the crucial contest where coach Yeng Guiao had an exchange with TNT’s former PBA import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who went close to the Rain or Shine bench to voice his displeasure at the referees over a late foul infraction called on his brother Rahlir.
It was a long and winding road for Norwood, known throughout his career for his athleticism and defensive prowess, towards an achievement almost 100 PBA players have accomplished since the big league’s inception.
Norwood entered the conference 33 points shy of joining the club, but was averaging 3.9 points in limited action as the 38-year-old has taken the role of being a veteran presence to aid a relatively young Rain or Shine squad.
His best scoring production was last month when Norwood made nine on 3-of-5 shooting in Rain or Shine’s upset of Magnolia in Cagayan de Oro City.
Rain or Shine’s triumph was the fifth straight after a 0-5 start while securing itself a spot in the quarterfinals.