Cardona makes up for lost time after being benched for 2 games
Mac Cardona is being hugged by teammate Asi Taulava (88) after his late steal and assist sealed NLEX’s win over Rain or Shine Saturday. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
When Mac Cardona entered the game against Rain or Shine on Saturday, it wasn’t only his coach Boyet Fernandez, who was sending him in, it was also the suggestion of hulking veteran center Asi Taulava.
“Looking at the games we lost, if Mac was on the floor the result could’ve been different and you know credit goes to Mac,” Taulava said after the Road Warriors’ 111-106 win over the Elasto Painters, where Cardona’s late steal helped seal the victory.
“He stayed focus. Even though, he was in the doghouse and wasn’t playing, he was given the opportunity and he stepped up,” added Taulava, who sees the 34-year-old swingman as a difference maker. “He still came to practice, he still came in there worked on his craft. Tonight, he played a big part at the endgame, great one-on-one defense on Jeff Chan.”
Late in the game and holding a slim two-point lead, 108-106, Cardona had Chan at the top of the key and with one swoop, the player also known as “Captain Hook” got the ball and assisted on a crucial basket by Sean Anthony for the backbreaking three-point play.
“Coach just told me to stay positive. I will get my chance to play and it showed in this game,” Cardona said. “I’m very thankful to coach for giving me the chance and thank you to Asi for his suggestion.”
Cardona has no complains despite being benched during NLEX’s last two games — knowing that in the pros, basketball is business.
“It’s part of the job, it’s business. We have to be professional, I can’t just sit on one side and be down, no one will feel sorry for you,” Cardona said. “I shouldn’t think much of the negatives and I just should think about the positives and play to my potential.”
While a lot were surprised by Cardona’s impact, Taulava wasn’t surprised at all being the kind of player who never doubts any of his teammates.
“This is what I expect from you every night when you step on the floor, we need you,” Taulava told Cardona.
“I’m happy for him,” Taulava said. “We have to come together as a team and crash a lot of parties.”
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