Joshua David just played arguably his best game as a pro on Wednesday—in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals no less. And his coach isn’t surprised at all.
David got the start in the all‑important Game 4 of the semis series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. And he made sure he made a big difference.
Joshua David Rises
The rookie out of La Salle, who was averaging just 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists prior to Wednesday’s crucial encounter, put up 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 18 high‑impact minutes to help Rain or Shine fashion out a 97-85 victory over Ginebra. He also played spectacular defense on the league’s leading scorer, RJ Abarrientos, who failed to reach double digits in scoring for the first time this conference.
None of that surprised Yeng Guiao.
“Joshua was just looking for a break,” Guiao told reporters after Game 4. “Nandun talaga sa ano niya ‘yun, meron talaga siyang galing. May talento siya, and he was just looking for a break. He can defend, he can shoot the three.”
Defend and shoot the trey he did. Joshua David hit two early triples in Rain or Shine’s early breakaway, all while playing pesky, physical defense on Abarrientos, who never got untracked after David held him to 3 points in the opening frame.
Joshua David, Always Ready
That Joshua David got his chance in Game 4 shouldn’t be surprising either. Guiao is known for his longer rotations and for being unafraid to throw his players—even rookies—into the cauldron. In Game 4, it was the former Green Archer’s turn in the spotlight. Good thing he was ready. In fact, he’s always been ready.
“Sinasabi nila na maging ready lang kami kung sinong hugutin sa amin. At least kung ano matutulong namin,” David said.
“Masaya naman kasi nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. Halos naman din lahat kami nag‑produce.”
That’s also true. Aside from Joshua David, six other Rain or Shine players scored at least 8 points, with fellow rookie Christian Manaytay adding 11 off the bench and hardworking role player Mike Malonzo chipping in 9, also off the bench.
But, when all was said and done, it was Joshua David who made the biggest impact with his energy, his sure‑handedness, and his fearlessness.
He’s also plenty good to begin with. It certainly helps he’s always ready.
