At the Philsports Arena on Wednesday, in Game One of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, San Miguel lost 122-105 to Barangay Ginebra. Many felt that exhaustion had a role in the game, although CJ Perez downplayed it.

The star guard for the Beermen identified another factor that contributed to the lopsided loss that came just three days after their exhausting best-of-five quarterfinal series against Converge ended in overtime.

The one obvious flaw in SMB: Defense

According to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the Beermen entered the game having allowed 108.7 points in 15 games this conference. Despite this, they were able to hold their own against the Gin Kings in the first half, then in the third quarter, they gave up a Ginebra salvo that completely collapsed the game.

In particular, SMB’s defense—or lack thereof—against import Justin Brownlee, who finished with a game-high 33 points in just 28 minutes, making five of his six four-point tries and 10-of-17 shots overall.

In fewer than 26 minutes of play, Perez scored just 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, obviously deferring to SMB import EJ Anosike. Perez also contributed four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and no turnovers.

While, in an attempt to lessen the pain of losing big man Troy Rosario to unrestricted free agency, BLACKWATER eventually came to terms with the return of import George King.

On Wednesday, the Bossing had a Zoom discussion with the prolific import right before management had a meeting with Jeff Cariaso’s team coaching staff.

Team owner Dioceldo Sy stated King had signed the contract presented by the franchise this week, amid interest in the former NBA star from other leagues.

For Blackwater, which has been rocked by Rosario’s choice to forgo the team’s new contract offer in favor of unrestricted free agency, King’s signing was like a breath of fresh air.

Sy claimed to have already discussed with Cariaso ways to make up for Rosario’s passing, which undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Blackwater ceiling.

The return of King, who is actually undersized at 6-foot-6 in a competition where teams may sign foreigners without any height restrictions, excites him more, though.

Naturally, the former player for the Phoenix Suns turned around the Bossing’s campaign in the Governor’s Cup, helping them to nearly qualify for the postseason despite having a sluggish start to the season.

In his debut in Asia’s inaugural professional league, the 30-year-old King averaged 40.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. In his last game with the squad, a 139-118 victory over San Miguel, he scored a career-high 64 points.

In time for the season-opening conference finals, the former chairman of the Philippine Basketball League stated that he intends to bring King in by the end of this month.