MANILA, Philippines – Jhonard Clarito turned in a performance that proved why he is the worthy winner of the PBA Most Improved Player award.
Clarito delivered 24 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting as Rain or Shine erased a massive deficit en route to a 124-105 demolition of NLEX in the Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, August 28.
The 6-foot-2 workhorse also produced 5 steals, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in an all-around effort that helped the Elasto Painters fight back from a 21-point hole and emerge as the only unbeaten team in the PBA with a 3-0 record.
“We now call him Michael Jhonard,” quipped Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao in Filipino in reference to NBA legend Michael Jordan.
“He deserves it because he works hard in practice. Even if you yell and curse at him, it is nothing to him. His perseverance and patience are bearing fruit.”
A sizzling start by import Myke Henry propelled the Road Warriors to a 45-24 lead before Clarito conspired with Gian Mamuyac and import Aaron Fuller in a stellar second quarter that put the Elasto Painters in the front seat.
Clarito and Mamuyac scored 9 points each, while Fuller dropped 8 points as Rain or Shine outscored NLEX by 20 points in the period to seize a 58-54 edge on the way to the 19-point romp.
That second quarter included a telling 26-4 run that gave the Elasto Painters their first lead of the game at 50-49.
Mamuyac finished with 22 points and 6 assists, while Fuller put up a monster double-double of 21 points and 20 rebounds with 3 steals as Rain or Shine achieved its best start since it also went 3-0 in the 2021 Philippine Cup.
It has been a major turnaround for the Elasto Painters, who endured 0-4, 0-5, and 0-4 starts in the last three conferences.
“This group is very tight. They have a strong bond,” said Guiao. “You see them support each other. Even if they make mistakes, even if they miss shots, even if I scold them, they support each other.”
“I enjoy watching our team play. I guess the fans are also enjoying.”
Andrei Caracut added 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while rookie Caelan Tiongson chimed in 10 points for Rain or Shine, which grabbed solo lead in Group B.
Henry erupted for 14 points in the opening frame but got limited to just 7 points the rest of the way as he ended up with 21 points in the loss that dropped NLEX to 2-1.
Robert Bolick tallied 22 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds for the Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine 124 – Clarito 24, Mamuyac 22, Fuller 21, Caracut 17, Tiongson 10, Lemetti 9, Datu 6, Santillan 3, Nocum 3, Asistio 3, Escandor 3, Ildefonso 2, Norwood 1, Villegas 0, Belga 0.
NLEX 105 – Bolick 22, Henry 21, Rodger 16, Miranda 15, Policarpio 13, Fajardo 9, Amer 6, Nieto 3, Valdez 0, Semerad 0, Marcelo 0, Herndon 0.
Quarters: 24-40, 58-54, 91-83, 124-105.
– Rappler.com
