Chris Newsome is back in action for the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Governoers’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Chris Newsome returned to Meralco’s lineup in winning fashion as the Bolts zoomed past Northport, 109-99, in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.
After nursing a sprained left ankle and knee for weeks, Newsome found himself in action again with the Bolts with a cherry on top for his momentous return–a win over the Batang Pier.
“[My] knee’s okay and stable, nothing structurally wrong but the ankle has been something that’s been bothering me for a bit. I sprained that one again and I tried to play through it but now it’s 90 to 95 percent,” said Newsome.
READ: PBA: Allen Durham leads Meralco pullaway to beat NorthPort
“I came out today injury-free and now I just have to stick with therapy.”
Newsome played cautiously in his return for coach Luigi Trillo, not shooting much like he used to when he’s healthy.
The Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals MVP posted just eight points but notched six assists and five rebounds in the victory that sent Meralco to a 3-1 card.
Newsome tweaked his ankle and knee in Meralco’s loss to TNT a few days back.
READ: PBA: Allen Durham says more work to be done for him and Meralco
Still, the Gilas playmaker is glad to see the Bolts step up their game even without their primary floor general.
“I’m more impressed with our games last time when they were able to get the wins without me and earlier Cliff [Hodge] went out early with just seven playing minutes, no Raymond (Almazan), no Allein (Maliksi) and it showed a lot about the character of this team,” said Newsome.
Newsome’s return was dampened by the fact that a huge chunk of the Bolts’ lineup sat out Sunday’s game due to the injury bug. That included Almazan, Maliksi, Aaron Black and Norbert Torres.
Meralco, though, looks to make most of Newsome’s return on the court when the Bolts take on Converge on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum.