After two subpar games, Converge’s Cheick Diallo dominated for the FiberXers in a big win over NLEX in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
After two subpar games, Cheick Diallo demonstrated the kind of monster numbers the Converge FiberXers expect out of him.
But it was nothing surprising as far as interim head coach Franco Atienza was concerned.
“He proved his worth right here [in this game]. We're the least worried about his numbers,” Atienza said on Diallo’s 37-point, 18-rebound output to anchor a much-needed Converge rebound victory against the NLEX Road Warriors, 102-91, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Atienza was quick to praise their import after exploding for his second-highest scoring output this tournament, following two slow games where he only scored a combined 23 points.
Up against another high-scoring import in NLEX’s Mike Watkins, Diallo went toe-to-toe against his counterpart and did most of his damage in the second half where he poured 20 points alone.
“[The] guys are [now] feeding off his strength,” Atienza bared.
But Diallo deflected the credit to his teammates and the coaching staff as Converge countered every big Road Warriors basket with their own, especially in the final frame.
“This was a team win. Everybody was on the same page,” the former NBA player said in the post-game press conference.
Atienza echoed his import’s assessment that chalked up the FiberXers’ third win of the Commissioner’s Cup.
“We have a great group of guys…everyone is capable of scoring. It’s a testament to what we did as a team,” the interim coach said.
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