Big Game James leaves behind struggles with big shot

MANILA, Philippines – James Yap was struggling in Game Five when he got the shot at redemption.  Ordinary players in the same situation normally shy away from that big moment. But not Big Game James.  

The former two-time MVP was shooting 2-of-14 from the field down to the final 13 seconds of the see-saw battle. But Yap, who missed a triple that could have sent Game Four into overtime at the buzzer, suddenly found himself with the ball again.

His defender Mac Baracael was two feet away from him. He got the open look. And he did not hesitate.  Redemption came with only 13.4 seconds left in Game Five as the Mixers grabbed the lead, 78-76.   

Yap’s second three-pointer of the game was enough to rattle Brgy. Ginebra in the endgame that saw LA Tenorio uncharacteristically implode.

The Mixers won the game, 79-76, and more importantly took a 3-2 lead, just a win away from back-to-back Finals trip.

“Wala kang choice kundi itira, ganun naman talaga sa basketball eh. Importante talaga itong game na ito. Buti nakuha namin,” said Yap, who was swarmed by reporters after emerging from the dugout.

Yap was not even thinking of that missed shot at the buzzer in Game Four when he received the pass from Mark Barroca, who was the first option in the play designed by San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.

“Naisip ko na lang nung na-shoot ko,” Yap said. “At least pambawi.”  

Cone likened that big shot to the game winning plays of Alvin Patrimonio when he was still the face of the franchise in the 90’s.

“In the old days, this team would go to Alvin (Patrimonio) at the post. Nowadays, we go to James (Yap),” Cone said during the post-game interview.  â€œMark (Barroca) knew James is an option.”

Yap was on his way to another bad game but that big shot dramatically changed everything. It was the kind of shot that boosts his confidence heading into Game Six where the Mixers aim to close out the series.

“Kailangan pag may bad game ka sa series, kalimutan mo talaga eh.  Move on ka talaga lagi lalo na pag ganitong sitwasyon,” Yap said.