MANILA, Philippines – Myles Powell’s return was the most recent twist in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which the Bay Area Dragons will want to prolong on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum to force a Game 7.
After an interesting season for the 6-foot-2 guard and the Dragons as a guest team in the midseason tournament, Powell made a surprise appearance in game seven of the championship versus Barangay Ginebra.
A crucial asset
Prior to Tuesday’s deadline at 12 o’clock, Bay Area informed the league of its decision to bring Powell back. The decision was made organically after 6-foot-10 Andrew Nicholson injured his ankle in the final minutes of Game 3 and was sidelined for the following two games.
Powell, though, seems to be a much-needed asset in the backcourt, since Glen Yang’s recovery from a sprained ankle in Game 4 makes it unclear how long he will be able to play.
In Game 5, when the Bay Area fell to the Warriors 101-91, Yang was out, and coach Brian Goorjian had to rely on several guys to cover the void left by his primary playmaker.
Arrangements specific to the Bay Area
The Bay Area is an exception to PBA rules because it was made possible for the Hong Kong-based team to participate as a guest team in the second conference. PBA rules say that teams can only bring back their initial import once.
Following his participation in the first four games and the final four of the elimination rounds before the Dragons turned to Nicholson for the playoffs due to Powell’s foot issue, Powell is back for a third time.
Powell still cannot play due to injury, right?
After hurting himself while getting ready for the playoffs, Powell was replaced by Nicholson. Given that his recuperation will take a maximum of two months, Goorjian stated that the former NBA guard was “never a possibility” for the remainder of the season.
Since choosing to add Powell to the active roster, Bay Area has remained silent about whether his foot is healthy enough for him to play. As soon as Game 6 begins, the answer to that question will be revealed.
How competent is Powell?
Powell’s agility and capacity to make baskets in a hurry have played a significant role in Bay Area’s path to the PBA Finals.
Many consider him to be one of the leading Best Import candidates if Bay Area players were permitted to compete for individual categories. He averaged 37.3 points on 48 percent shooting, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
And yet another important statistic? With Powell on the field, the Dragons prevailed in each of their eight contests.
In what manner will Ginebra handle Powell’s return?
When the two teams competed in the elimination rounds, Ginebra never faced Powell. In the event Powell suits up, the Gin Kings have alternate plans in place, according to coach Tim Cone, who previously stated this during the series.
Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto, the Best Player of the Conference winners, are two potential players whom Cone might use to attempt to limit Powell.
