MANILA, Philippines – When Converge and Meralco play each other in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, they hope to not only have a happy Christmas but also finish the year on a high note.

The game is the FiberXers’ first Christmas Day game since acquiring the Alaska Aces franchise in March 2022, and they hope to win four straight games and complete 2024 with a 6-2 record.

In addition to being the Bolts’ first-ever Christmas game, it is especially significant because they are trying to get back to winning ways after losing to Blackwater on December 12 and to Busan KCC Egis in the EASL last week, which would improve their current 3-1 record.

The odds appear to be in favor of Converge at first glance. Last Saturday, the FiberXers defeated Barangay Ginebra 98-91, reiterating their 18-point comeback against Phoenix just two days earlier after rallying from a 17-point hole.

However, Franco Atienza, the acting head coach, cautioned that if his FiberXers are finally worn out by the demands of playing their fourth game in nine days, the momentum they have gained might be lost just as fast.

Prior to the squad’s final game of the year, Franco Atienza, the acting head coach, highlighted the difficulties his team experienced before play resumed on January 11. He mentioned worries about stress and exhaustion, particularly during the hectic holiday season, which made the team’s juggling of objectives even more difficult.

Atienza showed confidence in his team’s preparation despite these difficulties. They were aware of the fearsome power of their opponents, Meralco, a team with a roster of players who have been together for a considerable amount of time, and their practices had been fruitful. Atienza, on the other hand, admitted that his group was still developing chemistry.

The squad’s character was put to the test once more during this encounter versus Meralco, highlighting the value of adaptation and resilience. Atienza emphasized the importance of turning their successful efforts from previous games into observable outcomes. A key component of their strategy was learning from past errors and implementing the components of their performance that worked.

The team sought to demonstrate growth and resolve since they recognized the seriousness of the task at hand, especially against a seasoned opponent. They were committed to keeping up the momentum and finishing the year strong as they got ready for this important match, laying the groundwork for their January campaign.

In fact, Raymond Almazan was just added to Meralco’s list of missing crucial players at the beginning of the midseason campaign. In order to heal DJ Kennedy’s injured calf, the Bolts even decided to keep him out of the Blackwater game.

While initial import Akil Mitchell, who led Meralco in its opening two games before missing time due to a broken nose, will once again support the Bolts, Atienza is aware that Allein Maliksi has been activated and will finally play in the tournament.

In highlighting his team’s preparation for the match, acting head coach Franco Atienza acknowledged the difficulties presented by the return of Allein Maliksi and the presence of Akil Mitchell. In order to counter the risks posed by these important players, the coaching staff had prepared for these developments and modified their game strategy appropriately.

But Atienza acknowledged that preventing his squad from being overtaken or surpassed right away would be the biggest obstacle. The team’s competitiveness and composure were the key concerns, especially when facing a well-prepared opponent. Atienza pointed out that the game itself would be the only way to properly unveil this crucial component of their performance.

To avoid being put in a bad position early in the game, the focus was on staying focused, carrying out their plans well, and making sure they got off to a solid start. The team remained committed to executing their plan and putting on a show that demonstrated their increasing unity and resolve as they prepared for the match.