Abueva gives what Phoenix lacks, says Phelps

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Eugene Phelps scoring at least 50 points is already a too normal of an occurrence during the PBA Governors’ Cup that sometimes it’s considered weird when he doesn’t get to that offensive plateau.

Phoenix’ high-octane import has three 50-point games whenever the Fuel Masters play their opening game in a conference and Phelps has been involved in five of those.

So when Phelps scored a meager, by his standards, 30 points that went with 15 rebounds and four blocks in Phoenix 132-91 win over NorthPort, it left a sense of shock to the onlookers.

Phelps, though, is fine with scoring less than 50.

“We got the win, I don’t get bonuses for 50-point games,” said Phelps Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “I get bonuses for winning, so we got the win and that’s all I care about.”

Phelps’ last scoring outburst was in Phoenix’s opening game against Columbian when he put up 50 points, 17 rebounds, and eight blocks.

Another new thing for Phelps is having Calvin Abueva as a teammate.

Abueva was traded to Phoenix from Alaska and Phelps is enjoying every bit of the Beast’s action.

“I think Calvin is a big help, the guy brings in energy and that’s what we’re lacking,” said Phelps as the Fuel Masters climbed to the top of the standings with a 2-0 record to tie the Aces. “He’s always talking.”

And just as Abueva’s story starts to unfold with Phoenix, he and Phelps are set to face Alaska on Wednesday for their next game in the conference.

“We got a tough game on Wednesday. Hopefully, we get that win and have a three-game winning streak but we’ll see how it goes.”