‘Humble lang tayo’: explosive game only product of hard work, says ‘the Beast’

It wasn’t an easy 16-month journey, but Phoenix star Calvin Abueva had to endure a longing for love of the game to come out with an unforgettable performance.

Many fans and viewers expected a different side of Abueva in his long-awaited return, but the Phoenix forward did not consider himself a changed man.

Instead, Abueva said he is simply doubling down on the effort after being away from the PBA for a long time.

“Actually, I can’t say new Calvin e, what I do [ay] effort, ”Abueva said in the 2OT show’s live session after Phoenix’s 114-110 win over the NLEX Road Warriors on Monday night.

“I haven’t been able to play in a long time. That lesson taught me to play well. “

Read: Abueva gives Lola Siony, her No. 1 fan, a performance to cheer her up

Abueva, who clocked in at 7:32 in the first quarter, took his time adjusting and getting familiar with the landscape of the bubble.

Shortly after entering the court as a substitute for JC Intal, Abueva committed an offensive foul on defender Kiefer Ravena. But the usually hotheaded “Beast” gracefully handled the situation by pointing out his teammates and admitting his honest mistake.

Abueva, 32, showed mastery, not only in basketball, but also in keeping his emotions in check throughout the ball game.

“But humble lang tayo,” the 6-foot-2 Abueva, who was named Player of the Game after scoring 21 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists in 32 minutes of play. “I did the best I could with that effort. I said what my role was before, I’ll double it even more. “

Abueva did not disappoint as he proved to be a critical addition to Phoenix’s offensive core in Matthew Wright, Jason Perkins and Justin Chua.

Read: Abueva’s first game was a great success

Wright had 28 points, five assists and four rebounds, Perkins had a double-double of 20 points, 13 rebounds and one assist, and Chua added 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.

“We play a role here. “We are not popular, we do not increase the score … my role here is not just points, in every way,” added the native of Pampanga.

With the win, Abueva can enjoy a good night’s sleep, much like his brilliant morning before when the Fuel Masters improved to a 4-2 record while the Road Warriors slipped to 1-5.