James Yap went back to his old habit of delivering when it mattered Saturday night and help Rain or Shine score a crucial win that put them closer towards claiming a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The two-time Most Valuable Player scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including six straight during the midway point that enabled the Elasto Painters to tie the game for the first time after being down by 19 at the start.
Rain or Shine eventually won, 108-106, to stay on top of the standings with an 8-1 record.
"Ready lang ako," Yap said. "Pag tawagin ni coach name ko, ready lang ako."
Stepping up in the clutch is something that has become a rarity for Yap since joining Rain or Shine from the Purefoods franchise in a trade for Paul Lee in 2016.
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Yap is averaging 17 minutes per game this conference, but has embraced the role of a good soldier given the Elasto Painters' impressive run in the eliminations.
But Yap couldn't avoid admitting his sense of gratification after playing a part in Rain or Shine's comeback.
"Aaminin ko masarap, pero siyempre si (Rain or Shine) coach (Caloy Garcia) may diskarte naman e. Nirerespeto ko diskarte niya at kung ano ang takbo ng game. Basta ako ready lang," he said.
Yap's three-point play and a three from the right side allowed Rain or Shine to tie the game at 96-all with under seven minutes remaining. The Painters would trail just once before taking the lead for good.
"Nung first quarter masyadong flat yung game namin," said Yap. "Sabi ni coach sa dugout baka nagrerelax kayo kasi alam niyo pasok na tayo sa quarterfinals. Buti na lang nagrespond kami nung second half."(SB)
