(PBA image)
Nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo is banking on grit, rest, and therapy as he manages a knee injury heading into a potential title-clinching Game Six of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, with San Miguel Beermen on the brink of another championship at the expense of TNT Tropang Giga.
Fresh off being named Best Player of the Conference, Fajardo sustained the injury late in Game Five following a collision with TNT big man Poy Erram, a tense moment that briefly cast a shadow over San Miguel’s commanding 96–82 win on Friday night.
“Natulak ako tapos bumagsak tuhod ko,” Fajardo said, describing how he landed awkwardly after the bump.
The Cebuano giant eventually returned in the fourth quarter, logging about three minutes and converting a short stab before heading back to the bench as a precaution. Despite the scare, Fajardo downplayed the injury, saying the decision to test his knee came after consulting with the team’s physical therapists.
“Gusto rin i-try ng PT para matingnan kung kaya ko maglaro. Sa tingin ko, kaya naman. Pahinga lang siguro, tapos therapy lang ako,” he said.
Before the knock, Fajardo delivered another all-around performance worthy of his MVP resume, finishing with 18 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting clip, hauling in 16 rebounds, and adding two assists and two steals in over 34 minutes of action.
More than his numbers, however, Fajardo was quick to spotlight San Miguel’s bench, particularly frontcourt partner Rodney Brondial and guard Kris Rosales, who helped steady the Beermen during his brief absence.
“Big shoutout kay Rodney at Kris Rosales. Ganda ng nilaro nila,” he said.
San Miguel’s medical staff is expected to reassess Fajardo’s condition ahead of Game Six, with swelling the main concern as the series reaches its climax.
“I-aassess pa ako bukas, so titingnan. Pero hopefully hindi mamaga,” Fajardo added, before offering a familiar note of optimism.
“Kaya naman siguro.”
With the Beermen one win away from the title, all eyes will be on Fajardo’s knee—and whether the league’s most dominant big man can once again power San Miguel to championship glory.