MANILA, Philippines – John Fields had a relatively quiet night as Magnolia opened its campaign in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on the wrong foot following an 80-103 loss to Alaska on Wednesday, June 5.

The American import played 30 minutes but was limited to just 12 points and 6 rebounds against 3 turnovers as the Hotshots never got hold of the lead and were buried by as many as 28 points.

Apparently, Fields was not in his top shape. 

“Si John kasi, actually may problema siya sa ankle niya. Two days before our game, na-sprain ‘yung ankle niya,” Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero told reporters. 

(John had a problem on his ankle. Two days before our game, he sprained his ankle.)

“Unfair din naman doon sa import natin, pinilit lang niya maglaro today.” 

(It’s unfair for our import since he fought through the pain just to play today.) 

But Victolero felt it was not just a problem with the import, citing several locals who are hobbled with respective injuries as they were coming off a grueling seven-game finals series in the Philippine Cup in May. 

“[S]ome of my key players medyo may injuries eh. Si Rafi (Reavis), si Paul (Lee), medyo na-injure right at the start. Si Mark (Barroca), may iniinda rin na ankle injury,” Victolero said. 

(Some of my key players also have injuries. Rafi has an injury and Paul suffered a minor injury at the start of the game. Mark has an ankle injury.) 

Magnolia has more than a week to prepare for the hot-streaking NorthPort on Wednesday, June 12, and Victolero said they have yet to weigh in on what will happen to Fields. 

“If he’s not a hundred percent, we will try to see ano ‘yung magiging sitwasyon,” Victolero.  

(If he’s not a hundred percent, we will try to see what will be the situation.)  – Rappler.com