By NIKOLE JAVIER
Marcio Lassiter has nothing else in mind but to help steer the San Miguel Beermen to the Finals of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
Not even inching closer to becoming the PBA all-time three-pointer could distract him at the moment.
Lassiter, who just turned 37-year-old a day before San Miguel’s 101-98 Game 1 victory over Rain or Shine in their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Friday, May 17, closed in on LA Tenorio (1,218) in third place after going four-of-six from deep following a 16-point outing he scored all in the first half.
Now he is only two triples away from tying Tenorio.
Though the only time Lassiter deemed it an important achievement is if he manages to complete the side quest in another possible championship berth, which would be the Beermen’s second this year.
“It would be great to do it if we can make it to the Finals. That would be cool. Capture it in the Finals but I know that’s a long way. I don’t know the numbers exactly,” Lassiter said.
“The way this [series] is looking, it’s gonna be a long one. Very close and neck-and-neck the whole way. They are a young team, so we really just got to come out and keep playing our brand, limit their easy shots and our turnovers. If we can kind of keep playing our way, then we’ll see. But I don’t know,” he added.
Gaining the headstart in the series, the 12-year veteran still has enough games this conference to eventually surpass in second place Allan Caidic (1,242) and record holder Jimmy Alapag (1,250).
“Not really [it’s not on my mind]. I know each game is gonna be different just as every game has always been different. Sometimes they are gonna allow me to shoot, sometimes they’re not. But [gotta] give credit to Rain or Shine in the second half, they did a good job not giving shots, so we just gotta see what happens every game,” said Lassiter.
“It doesn’t come to my mind, just gotta have to continue to shoot when I can, when it’s there just take it. Just trust in my abilities and help my team space the floor out,” he added.
With Tenorio being the only other active player he has to defeat in the list, who also sees action in the playoffs with Barangay Ginebra against Meralco in the other semifinal pairing, Lassiter understands how tough it could still get.
“We talked actually. I gave him a little “you can do it first, you know?” You can be the first one to do it. He understands the situation,” he said.
“I’m just honored to be in the same list, he’s a legend and he’s won so many titles and MVPs. He’s one of the guys I look up to, so truly respect him and look how far he’s come to make all those threes. He’s a clutch player. Just happy for him.”
