PBA Analysis: SMB MVP is already decoded by Meralco?

 

The question looming over the PBA Finals like a dusty San Miguel Beer bottle is this: has Meralco finally cracked the code on Junemar Fajardo? The seemingly unstoppable force, the seven-time MVP, the Kraken himself, is showing signs of strain against a relentless Bolts strategy.

Meralco currently leads the series 2-1, and the culprit? A constant barrage of screens and bodies thrown at Fajardo. Gone are the days of single coverage. Coach Luigi Trillo has opted for a "switch everything" approach, utilizing the length of Raymond Almazan, the surprising energy of rookie Brandon Bates, and even veterans like Norbert Torres and Kyle Pascual in short bursts to keep Fajardo on his toes.

The results are undeniable. Fajardo's plus/minus sits at a dismal -8 through three games, and his turnover woes have plagued San Miguel (14 total). Game 3 was particularly telling. Fajardo, visibly gassed after logging heavy minutes in the second half, was a non-factor down the stretch. Chris Newsome's dagger three felt inevitable as the Meralco defense had successfully sapped Fajardo's strength.

This strategy isn't without risk. San Miguel's shooters, particularly the ever-dangerous Marcio Lassiter, become more open with constant switches. But the gamble seems to be paying off. Meralco is daring San Miguel to beat them with their supporting cast, and so far, the Beermen haven't consistently answered the call.

The question remains: can Meralco sustain this physicality for a full series? Can they keep Bates, a rookie playing above his age, out of foul trouble? And most importantly, will Fajardo eventually adjust?

"Oo, hiningal talaga ako," (Yes, I was really gasping for air) Fajardo admitted to SPIN.ph after Game 2. "Nakakapagod kasi talaga bantayan si Bates" (It's really tiring guarding Bates).

Fajardo acknowledges the challenge Bates presents and sees a bright future for the young Meralco big man. But there's a glint of defiance in his praise. "Next few years, mas mahirap na bantayan yan" (He'll be even harder to guard in the next few years).

This series is far from over. But one thing is clear: Meralco has exposed a chink in the Kraken's armor. Whether it's a permanent crack or a temporary inconvenience remains to be seen. The PBA faithful hold their breath as the chess match between Trillo and coach Leo Austria unfolds.