MANILA, Philippines – Jared Dillinger could not care less about whether he puts up big numbers as his Meralco Bolts tied their best-of-7 Governors’ Cup finals series against Barangay Ginebra in a wild Game 4 finish last Friday, Oct. 20.

Dillinger, who averaged 14.3 points through the semifinals, has yet to breach the double figure mark in the last four finals game as he is averaging just 5.5 points on a 22 percent shooting this series following a 2-point outing in Game 4. 

“The Daredevil” almost cost the Bolts Game 4 after his layup attempt on a fastbreak with only 20 seconds remaining was blocked by Sol Mercado. Fortunately, Meralco, which led by just two points, came through after Justin Brownlee missed his floater at the buzzer. 

“They’re putting taller guys on me so it’s hard to get up my shot so I got to adjust. But again, guys are stepping up. We found a way to win and it’s all that matters.”

Instead of concentrating on offense, Dillinger has turned his focus on the other facets of the game. He is averaging a respectable 4.5 rebounds, 2.75 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in the finals. 

“It’s frustrating because I want to help my team. It’s frustrating but you have to be positive and continue to do what got us here.” 

“I want to help my team offensively but if I’m not getting it done there, maybe try to get a couple more rebounds, try to get a couple more assists or steals or blocks, something. Eventually law of average is the ball goes in.”

With the series turned into a best-of-3, the Filipino-American forward said that the following games will not be much of a battle of tactics but of grit.

“It’s about will and guts and who hits the biggest shots and who gets the biggest stops. We already know both of each other’s plays and tendencies at this point and it’s gonna be tough.” 

Game 5 of will be on Sunday, October 22, at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. – Rappler.com