BONG Quinto is playing with a bruised knee in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, yet continue to deliver for Meralco which is off to a fine start in the mid-season conference.
The 29-year-old guard was at the forefront anew for the Bolts in their 121-111 victory over the debuting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo that put the team in a share of the top spot with guest team from Hong Kong Eastern and Northport.
Quinto finished with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting, while adding four rebounds and four assists in the team's second straight win in three days.
The Letran alumnus admitted having to battle through pain just in order to suit up for the undermanned Bolts.
"Hangga't kaya na makapag-laro, hindi naman siya ganun ka-seryoso, talagang gusto kong matulungan yung team namin para manalo kami," said Quinto following the win over the tough Elasto Painters.
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Quinto hurt his right knee during Meralco's first game against Phoenix, not just once but thrice.
"Nakalimutan ko na sino yung nakatama sa akin, thrice akong tinamaan sa tuhod. And until now nakaka-apekto sa akin yun kaya hindi rin ako gaano makakilos," he said.
Despite hobbling, he still contributed 14 points, five rebounds and five assists in helping the Bolts overcome a 23-point deficit to hack out a dramatic 111-109 win.
The 6-foot-2 Quinto said the necessity to play was borne out of the injuries on teammates Alain Maliksi, Chris Banchero, and rookie CJ Cansino.
"Kulang kasi kami sa tao so ang mindset ko talaga is makatulong ako sa team," he said.
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The early wins certainly comes a long way to the Bolts' bid to make it back to the playoffs, according to Quinto.
"Ang goal namin is makapasok sa playoffs, and bahala na kung ano ang mangyari dun," added Quinto.(RG)
