By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco is keeping its finger crossed as it awaits the results of the test on the knee injury that sidelined Chris Newsome in the last two minutes of the Bolts’ 97-89 Game 3 win over TNT.
The 35-year-old guard went straight to the hospital after the game and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the left knee which he hurt after teammate Chris Banchero fell on it following an offensive foul from TNT guard Rey Nambatac.
Newsome had to be helped off the floor and never returned with still 2:01 left in the contest.
Talking to the members of the press before heading out the Big Dome, Newsome expressed optimism regarding his injury as he hopes to be fit enough to return to the series.
“Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. I’m just happy that the team got the win tonight,” said Newsome.
“For me it’s the fact that there’s something wrong for sure or else I would have kept playing. Don’t know the extent of it yet but for me it’s just going to see what it is first,” he continued.
“Let the MRI tell us what it is and then focus on what to do next. Whether that’s to start my strengthening or whatever recovery I have to do to try to get ready for the next game if that’s possible,” added Newsome.
Though pretty banged up after also suffering from a dislocated finger last game, Newsome continued to play a crucial role to Meralco and missing him for the pivotal Game 4 would certainly be a huge blow for the Bolts.
But Newsome expressed confidence that the rest of the team has what it takes to pull through even in the event that he won’t be able to play in Game 4.
“I also know that if I’m not there my guys are capable of stepping up and I believe and I have confidence in every single one of them that they’re going to be just fine,” said Newsome.
