Bolick dishes out dimes in NLEX win over Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines -- Indeed, it is the season of giving.

In a must-win game, and in his second game since being traded to NLEX, Robert Bolick seemed to be in a jolly good mood, dishing out 15 assists in the Road Warriors’ 104-97 win over the Blackwater Bossing.

NLEX eliminated Blackwater from playoff contention in the process, while strengthening their bid for the quarterfinals.

Bolick recorded 15 of the team’s 25 total assists, and it indeed helped the team break its losing streak.

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the 15 assists is Bolick's second-most in his career. It is also the most assists in a game by a local since Kiefer Ravena in 2019.

This was just one of the impressive stats of the sweet-shooting guard, as he flirted with a triple double, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds.

A total of five NLEX players, including the former San Beda Red Lion, finished in double figures.

While it was a great individual performance, Bolick tipped his hat to his coaches and teammates.

“It is not just me. Credit to the coaches, because they put me in a good situation. I also give credit to my teammates because we are ready to play,” he told reporters in Filipino.

“We have failed a number of times before, but we cannot lose now so our Christmas is good,” he added.

The more than one week break of the team was also essential for the six-foot guard to get his rhythm and get his chemistry with the team.

“The transition [to the team] became easier with our coaches. My teammates are also kind.”

In his NLEX debut on December 13th, Bolick had a rather forgettable outing, finishing with just nine points, four assists and a rebound.

It also gave them their fourth straight defeat in the PBA.

On Friday, however, Bolick showed why he got signed to a contract in Japan with a point guard masterclass, dishing out assists left and right.

The Road Warriors are currently holding a 3-6 win-loss slate. While they have a mountain to climb to get to the playoffs, they are still alive.

NLEX will next play on January 10, facing the Converge FiberXers.