Drawing inspiration from his soon-to-be-born child, TNT KaTropa import Joshua Smith delivered for his team in Game Four of the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
The burly import finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds as he made his presence felt in the shaded area to power TNT to victory over the San Miguel Beermen and tie the series at 2-all.
“Manganganak na eh. It has been a rallying point because Josh is playing hurt already and the second thing is his girlfriend is giving birth,” TNT coach Nash Racela said.
“When you’re playing hurt, there’s an excuse for you to go home and he could be beside his girlfriend. But he chose to stay here and play in the finals in hope of a championship.”
Smith, who has been bothered by a foot injury, also got an extra boost of support as his teammates wore a patch that bore the name “Kristy”, his pregnant girlfriend, on their jerseys.
“They know what I’m sacrificing,” Smith told sportswriters. “Not just for myself but the birth of my daughter. She’s due tomorrow. I’m happy, but at the same time, I’m anxious, I’m nervous, watching how the baby would look like.”
Apart from his family, Smith said he is also being motivated by the extra workout he’s getting from TNT’s standby import Mike Myers.
“It helps a lot,” Smith said. “Mike Myers is an American, an import like me, strong. Anytime I have a guy who pushes me is helping me. Myers has been giving me all the help I can get.”
