Embattled Kings will have fun in Game 3 says Caguioa

MANILA, Philippines – While Brgy. Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua promised that the Kings will go all out, Mark Caguioa added that they will go out there and have fun.

Down 0-2 and almost given up for dead, Caguioa remained defiant and is hoping against hope that the Kings will become the third team to overcome such deficit in a best-of-five finals series since Crispa (1976) and Purefoods (1990).  

The outspoken Caguioa did not mince words when asked if they can still comeback from the 0-2 series deficit.

“Of course, kaya pa namin ito. I know parang long shot coming from 0-2, but hey, nothing is impossible,” Caguioa told the pack of reporters who ambushed him on his way to the parking lot after the game. “Next game, we’re not going to be too tight. We’ll just have fun.”

Caguioa is a picture of frustration in the series as he is being limited by his recent injury – an MCL – that kept him on the bench for 10 games this conference.  In a desperate move in Game 2, Chua fielded Caguioa for an extended period of time in a frantic search for a spark. But the reigning MVP, who just played his third game coming off that injury, could only do so much. 

He is trying to speed up his recovery but Caguioa is just a shell of his old self that averaged 22 points per game prior to the injury.  

Caguioa wound up with only two points for the third straight game and a couple of assists in 19 minutes as he tried in vain to help the team wipe out Alaska’s big lead in the second half.

More than the offense, Caguioa pointed to their defense as they key to another miracle run.

“Nakarating kami dito sa championship because of our defense. Ngayon nawawala kami. As a unit, we need to get back to what we are doing defensively,” Caguioa said.

Offensively, he said the Kings have lost their identity.

“We’re playing their game. They are taking away our shots. ‘Yun nga six attempts lang si V-Mack (Vernon Macklin). Nahihirapan kami kapag straight post-up lang siya. We’ll find ways to get him better shots. I know coach Al has something in store,” Caguioa added.

The Kings, who have come back from a 0-4 start to get into the playoffs and beat two tough teams – Governors Cup champion Rain or Shine and Phil. Cup champion Talk n Text – with their backs against the wall have no other recourse but to flash that legendary never-say-die spirit.  

“Hangga’t may laro pa, kaya pa namin. We’re not going to give up.  Of course, everyone is down but deep inside we know we can still do it,” Caguioa said.