James Yap swears he bore no hard feelings for Magnolia anymore.
But whether he admits it or not, there's little doubt he felt good that his heroics on Wednesday enabled Rain or Shine to stretch its winning streak to five games at Magnolia's expense.
Yap's finishing touches was certainly one for the book.
The E-Painters controlled the game for most part but they teetered on the brink of defeat when Paul Lee tricked his defenders with great movements and got a clean shot that gave the Hotshots a 74-72 lead with 6.1 seconds to play.
Rain or Shine quickly sued for time - their last timeout -- and coach Caloy Garcia did the best thing under the most challenging situation by inserting Yap.
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He did not regret it.
In the ensuing play, the two-time MVP got the ball inside and managed to work his way out of a double-team put up by Rome dela Rosa and Rafi Reavis. He nailed the tough shot and was fouled on that play.
Yap made the bonus free throw before Ian Sangalang missed a running shot at as time expired as Rain or Shine stayed on top of the leader board with a 7-1 mark.
Does playing, moreso, winning against his former team motivates him alot?
"Actually, hindi ko na iniisip yun. Kasi 'pag iisipin mo yun, nandoon yung gigil, nandoon lahat eh, na gusto mong magpakita," offered Yap, who finished with 18 points -- his highest production against his old team.
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For many years, Yap was the face of the Purefoods/Magnolia franchise he helped win seven championships, including a grandslam in 2014.
Two years later, he was dealt to ROS for Paul Lee in a trade many thought was impossible to happen.
"Aaminin ko noong mga bago pa lang yung-trade masamang-masama ang loob ko," Yap admitted.
"Pero ngayon, almost two years na so kailangan ko rin mag-relax. Kasi laging gigil pag sila kalaban. So ngayon, relax lang. Okay naman, maganda yung kinalabasan," added Yap, who will turn 37 on Feb. 15.
"Sana mag-champion kami sa Rain or Shine," said Yap of his birthday wish. (JB)
