Slaughter rues his ‘worst game in the PBA’

MANILA, Philippines – Perhaps nobody criticized Greg Slaughter more than himself in his first game back off an injury. 

The 7-foot big man rued his first game back with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Governors’ Cup following a 3-week layoff due to a severe right ankle sprain. 

“I think it was my worst game in the PBA so far,” he said after the Gin Kings fell prey to a hot-shooting San Miguel Beermen, 100-85.

“Just out of rhythm. I’ve been out for 3 weeks and I really got like just one full practice in.”

Slaughter, 27, started and played for the 2-4 Ginebra but shot just 3-of-12 from the field for 6 points. He had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a block and was mostly a defensive liability.

“I need more time to get my rhythm back and work on the right things,” admitted Slaughter, who said he was only cleared to run in the week leading up to the San Miguel game. 

Last season’s Rookie of the Year logged in close to 32 minutes despite missing Ginebra’s first 5 games after injuring his ankle in practice before the conference started. 

As Slaughter struggled to convert shots he normally made before his injury, his counterpart and longtime rival June Mar Fajardo enjoyed a good night. 

The reigning league MVP outplayed his former collegiate match-up with 10 points and 20 rebounds. Fajardo may not have exploded offensively but his dominance on the boards was pivotal for the Beermen’s fired up shooters.

“He’s always tough to match up,” Slaughter said of Fajardo. “Both our teams are so talented that we have many options to go to. Definitely I think I could have helped contribute more.” 

After 3 weeks of nothing but lifting weights, the ex-Ateneo Blue Eagle is eager to regain his legs and absolve himself from Sunday night’s forgettable performance. 

“Just gotta do what I can and hopefully get my body back in shape where I can be running up and down the court, boxing out, jumping constantly,” he said. 

“Hopefully now that I got back onto the court I can continue working on getting my game rhythm.” 

Ginebra is set to face a dangerous 4-2 Globalport on Wednesday, June 3. – Rappler.com