CJ Perez and San Miguel Beermen celebrate their torrid comeback to beat Magnolia Hotshots in 6 games in the PBA Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, philippines–CJ Perez used a tough lashing he got from coach Jorge Gallent and delivered a performance to remember and another championship for the PBA’s last original member.
Perez recovered from an unusual first half slump and carried the San Miguel Beermen to a stunning late comeback to defeat the Magnolia Hotshots, 104-102, and capture the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Best Player of the Conference finished with 28 points, none bigger than two crucial plays that cemented San Miguel’s record-extending 29th title via a 4-2 series victory.
He was named Finals Most Valuable Player by the PBA Press Corps after scoring just four in the first two quarters. At one point, Perez got some unkind words from coach Jorge Gallent as he went back to the bench.
CJ Perez accepts the Finals MVP award. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/PXT0D8UrU8
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 14, 2024
But Perez and Gallent, a first-time winner as head of San Miguel Corporation’s flagship franchise, shared an embrace upon seeing each other amid confetti flying around the Big Dome.
“Parang father and son argument,” Perez told Inquirer Sports when asked of the exchange with Gallent. “Pero alam ko pag nag-gaganun si Coach Jorge, ginaganahan ako.”
Perez posted series averages of 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.2 steals during the six games.
San Miguel’s Bennie Import in the PBA Finals Game 6 clincher. –MARLO CUETO/INQURIER.net
San Miguel got the job done despite trailing by double figures during some portions of the second half, with Perez leading the comeback.
It was not a Perez basket that put the Beermen on top for good, but his kickoff pass for Chris Ross, who buried a corner three with 1:27 remaining that made it 100-99.
Magnolia couldn’t answer on the next play and Perez then put the coup de grace with a three-pointer from the left side, 48 seconds to go, and San Miguel was ahead 103-99.
June Mar Fajardo and Jericho Cruz, also worthy Finals MVP candidates, also came through as Gallent finally got his championship in his second conference since succeeding current consultant Leo Austria.
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“It feels great,” Gallent said. “Everybody worked hard for this championship, especially in this game. They didn’t give up and they want to win it now. They showed how composed they are, even if they’re down big.”
Magnolia fell short of extending the series to a rubber match, and settled for another runner-up trophy, the fourth under coach Chito Victolero.
A first title remained elusive for the Hotshots, who last won in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
