MANILA, Philippines: Athletic forward Jamie Malonzo let his game do much of the talking during Barangay Ginebra's 113-107 victory over Rain or Shine as the Gin Kings kicked off their Season 48 PBA Philippine Cup title bid on high gear Friday night at the Big Dome.
The 6-foot-5 Malonzo unleashed a PBA career-high 32 points, to go along with eight rebounds, and three assists, while making his presence felt on the defensive end with his four blocks.
During the post-game presser, Malonzo admitted finding so much support and encouragement in the company of his Ginebra teammates just over a week after a brawl he got involved in a restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
"It's tough for me, it's been a lot for me but just credit to my team, they've been holding me down, checking on me throughout the process, they have my back, I'm going through a lot, (and) it hasn't been easy," Malonzo said, when asked to comment.
The former La Salle wingman said there's been much "noise" surrounding the incident, which he admitted was "difficult to cancel." But then, he finds encouragement with the fact that he was able to fight through it and go over the hump so to speak after erupting for a career game against the Elasto Painters.
"It's difficult to cancel all the noise and focus on the game, so I'm just happy that I was able to do what I did, and we got the win tonight," he added.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone chimed in, noting how his prized forward found a "sanctuary in practice and games."
"I think he's found a sanctuary in practice and games. I think he finds a comfort zone with his teammates. That's really the key issue for him, it showed tonight, in this game. He can put everything behind and move forward," shared the American coach.
As media men covering the PBA games wanted to ask for further details surrounding the issue, Cone interrupted it by saying, the post-game talk "is not the proper platform to ask Malonzo what happened."
"This is basketball. He doesn't need to answer these questions," Cone told media men. "We should talk about the game. I don't want him here, if we talk about that, I would go back to the locker room."
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