After an uneven, foul-plagued start to his PBA career, Magnolia Hotshots import KJ Buffen has found his bearing for sure. And on Sunday, he played his first Manila Clasico and helped Magnolia to a dominant 88-73 victory.
Buffen was among the stars of the game for Magnolia after winning his individual matchup against fellow 26-year-old import Riley Grigsby.
When asked how he was able to outplay his counterpart, the 6-foot-6 forward was quick to credit the team’s collective effort rather than his own individual performance.
“Oh, that was my team,” said the IBL veteran. “I feel like my teammates always find me in the right places, and you know, I don’t know, maybe sometimes I make the shots, but yeah, I feel like my teammates found me in the right places and we played a good team game tonight,” he explained.
KJ Buffen Proving He Belongs
This PBA Governor’s Cup has certainly been an up-and-down conference for the Hotshots. However, one thing that has remained consistent is Buffen’s production.
After a heartbreaking loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Friday, in which he finished with 31 points and 17 rebounds, Buffen once again delivered for Magnolia with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals against Ginebra—this time in a winning effort.
Through five games, Buffen is averaging 25.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while helping Magnolia to a 2-3 record.
Magnolia’s reinforcement has consistently done his part, carrying the Hotshots in nearly every facet of the game. However, Magnolia will need more contributions from its local players if the team hopes to make a deep playoff run. That’s exactly what happened against Ginebra, with Zavier Lucero and Ian Sangalang among the Hotshots who gave Buffen the help he needs.
The Hotshots will next face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, August 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
