It is the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Semi-final round and SMB finds itself in a 0-2 deficit in a best of 5 series. Rain or Shine could close the match up in the next game.
And I know, SMB was in a far worse-situation in the last finals, since they were in a 0-3 deficit in a best of 7 series.
We could point fingers at this moment. How the team is experimenting with Gary David at a crucial moment in time, and Mr. David deserves the respect as a long-time player, but we know that he isn't really a defensive player, and even though SMB is seen as a high-scoring team, their defense is a critical part of their success.
We could also blame Marcio Lassiter who seems to be in a different planet and whose stats were absent from last game. But he could easily counter that he didn't have his usual minutes to get heated up.
And even Tyler Wilkerson who used to produce 50 plus numbers is performing below his average. Is he learning to share the ball? Or would we rather he hog the ball and get the win.
But blaming and pointing fingers will not solve the 0-2 problem. SMB should go back to basics and look back at what brought them to their status as the team to beat in the PBA. They used to have a great deep bench in Lutz, Espinas, Aranya, and Tubid. But those guys don't seem to be getting any playing time as of this point. I would rather play a non-premier guard who will get things going by passing the ball to the open man than a superstar guard who misses open shots kicked out to him by a double-teamed post up player.
And SMB is known for having multiple point guards on the floor at any one time, allowing them to have better control and easy finishes during the fast-break. Maybe Coach Leo is tired of this set-up which is why he is experimenting with Arwind Santos at the three, but just learn from Golden State and why they have been successful this year. I think speed in basketball is better than strength.
Hopefully, SMB can survive this situation like they did last conference. Only God can make miracles happen, and I hope He is on their side.
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