His services were missed in the crucial part of the match.
Wondering why June Mar Fajardo sat out the final minutes of San Miguel’s 96-85 loss to Magnolia in Game Four of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night?
It turned out that Fajardo experienced tightness on his left calf, forcing him to miss the most important stretch of the match that levelled the best-of-seven affair.
“Nag-tight 'yung calf ko,” Fajardo told reporters post-game.
He checked out with still 5:14 remaining as the Beermen and the Hotshots engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle. More than three minutes later, Paul Lee drilled in the dagger of a triple that assured the victory for Magnolia at 94-83, piercing the hearts of the San Miguel faithful.
Fajardo stepped up as import Bennie Boatwright struggled owing to Magnolia counterpart Tyler Bey’s airtight defense from the get-go.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Magnolia's Tyler Bey says he didn’t mind not winning Best Import]
The seven-time MVP already had 16 points at the half on more than 21 minutes of play. But he only coughed up two from there as he was fielded in for just over three minutes after the break to finish with 18 markers. He also had 13 rebounds, two steals and a block.
Hurt and all, Fajardo allayed injury concerns, saying he will have his calf checked today.
“Hindi naman siguro (serious). OK naman siguro,” said Fajardo.
The Beermen would definitely need The Kraken to be at his monstrous best as they look to regain steam in Game Five on Sunday.
Match begins at 6:15 p.m. It will air on RPTV, A2Z, PBA Rush and the Pilipinas Live app.