MANILA, Philippines –  Chris Newsome, a seasoned guard, is proving why he is still the mainstay of the Meralco Bolts. Newsome led by example and played a key role in producing back-to-back victories that greatly increased the Bolts’ prospects of winning a quarterfinal place in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup during a week that put the team’s resiliency and playoff hopes to the test.

The PBA Press Corps honored Newsome the Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for May 21–24 in recognition of his exceptional play and leadership on the floor. A group of league officials and sportswriters presented the Meralco captain with the weekly accolade in recognition of his outstanding effort in two games that ended the team’s two-game losing streak and gave them a boost in the playoffs.

After impressive performances against Blackwater and NLEX, where he not only dominated the stat sheet but also assumed a more senior leadership role while star forward Cliff Hodge was out due to a one-game ban, Newsome was recognized.

Newsome led the Bolts’ assault with 19 points against the Blackwater Bossing. In a decisive 103-85 victory, he also contributed seven rebounds, three steals, and one assist. The team needed steadiness on both ends of the court during the time he contributed. Meralco was able to establish itself early and keep control of the game thanks to its methodical ball handling, perimeter defense, and poise.

In the subsequent game against the NLEX Road Warriors, the importance of his performance increased. With 21 points, five assists, and two steals in a 108-92 victory, Newsome greatly improved his game. The victory indicated a change in momentum in addition to keeping Meralco in the running for the playoffs. Newsome was the offensive center once more, setting up plays for teammates and finishing at the hoop and from mid-range on a regular basis. Meralco improved to an even 5–5 record in the standings because of his hustling plays and defensive effort, which electrified the team.

These two wins were crucial as the Bolts, who had previously been on the verge of elimination, rose up the standings. Newsome’s calmness and decision-making on the court were crucial to the team’s cohesiveness and capacity to perform well under duress. His ability to lead the squad during pivotal moments, when the offense stalled or defensive effort needed to be increased, was particularly noticeable.

In addition to his performance that week, Newsome achieved a noteworthy milestone by surpassing the 5,000-point milestone in his PBA career. His long-standing contributions to the league and the Meralco team were reflected in the accomplishment. Newsome has established himself as one of the most dependable and steady guards in Philippine basketball since joining the league in 2015. In a league full of stressful situations and emotionally charged games, his professionalism, work ethic, and cool head have made him the perfect captain.

The Player of the Week award was a fitting capstone to his illustrious career and evidence of his ongoing development as a player. Strong candidates for the prize, including Roger Pogoy of TNT, Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra, and teammate CJ Cansino, were defeated by him. While all of these players had successful seasons, Newsome stood out from the others due to his leadership, statistical production, and team effect.

Meralco’s schedule gets increasingly demanding as the Philippine Cup moves into its final elimination round matches. On May 30, they take on longtime rivals Barangay Ginebra in a game that can decide the playoffs. The Bolts’ chances will once more depend heavily on Newsome’s role as both teams compete for a favorable seeding. Meralco has an advantage in close games because of its capacity to manage the tempo, start the attack, and protect the top scorers on the other team.

In addition to being a personal honor for Newsome, this week’s distinction represents the cohesion and tenacity of the Meralco team. The Bolts now appear to be a squad capable of going far in the playoffs as players stand up around him and momentum grows.

All eyes will be on Newsome as the league moves into the pivotal phases of the Philippine Cup, not only for his goals but also for his leadership, tenacity, and capacity to motivate a team that relies on resiliency. His performance last week reminded everyone of his lasting importance to Meralco’s title aspirations and solidified his position among the league’s best.