PBA Finals loss fuels CJ Perez to get better

San Miguel Beer guard CJ Perez during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The hard work never stops for CJ Perez in the offseason especially after San Miguel Beer lost in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Even after coming off his best PBA season yet, Perez, the Best Player of the Conference in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup, feels the need to further improve his game and help get the Beermen back to the top.

“Of course, I’ll continue to do what I’m doing and I’m not going to stop doing the things that help me get better. There will be struggles but every team goes through those things to improve so I’ll prepare for it,” said Perez in Filipino after their 80-78 defeat in Game 6 on Sunday.

READ: Meralco wins first PBA title, survives San Miguel in Game 6

CJ Perez after SMB’s loss to Meralco. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/8D3D4iCXuT

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 16, 2024

“I still have a lot of weaknesses. I still need to learn a lot and I still have a lot to work on. We’ll see in the next conference.”

Perez had a tough outing in Game 6, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

The finals series–apart from Game 2 where he erupted for 34 points–was a struggle for Perez offensively against Meralco’s defensive schemes.

Still, Perez lauded the Beermen squad for bringing the fight to the Bolts.

“I’m still proud of my teammates and coaches on how hard they worked.”