On a night when both MVP Group squads picked up statement wins in the PBA Philippine Cup, Robert Bolick once again emerged as the orchestrator of the biggest shocker—leading NLEX back from a 19-point deficit to stun Magnolia, 107-99, and take solo lead in the standings at 8-2.
While TNT steamrolled Blackwater for their sixth straight win behind a loaded lineup, the Road Warriors leaned on grit, chemistry, and a point guard who’s playing at an elite level, one now playfully dubbed “Haliberto.”
The comparison to NBA star Tyrese Haliburton was made in jest by reporters, but the parallels are not far off. Like Haliburton, Bolick is a dual-threat engine for his squad—able to manipulate the game with scoring bursts, unselfish playmaking, and leadership in pressure moments. He reads defenses like a veteran chess player and is mastering the art of timing when to score and when to defer.
Against Magnolia, Bolick was once again in total control, seamlessly linking up with young guns Xyrus Torres, Jonel Policarpio, JB Bahio, and Brandon Ramirez, while also benefiting from the veteran savvy of Kevin Alas and Javee Mocon.
This wasn’t just an ordinary win—it was a turning point for a franchise that has long lived in the shadows of MVP sister teams TNT and Meralco. Now, NLEX is alone atop the standings, and Bolick is the reason.
Bolick = Haliburton? The Numbers Say It’s Not That Far Off
In the same way Haliburton has transformed the Indiana Pacers into a playoff contender with his tempo-setting style and court vision, Bolick is doing the same for NLEX. He’s averaging double-digits in both points and assists, and he’s been one of the most consistent playmakers in crunch time all conference long.
Both players thrive not through athletic dominance, but through IQ, creativity, and control. They make their teammates better—elevating the performance of role players into key contributors. That’s what Bolick has done this season with NLEX’s rookies and what Haliburton is doing in Indiana.
The Big Question: Can NLEX Support Its Own ‘Haliberto’?
Here’s the rub: Haliburton has an improving Pacers team around him, with solid shooters and rim protectors. The question now is, can NLEX give Bolick the help he needs to truly chase a title?
So far, Coach Frankie Lim has done an excellent job maximizing his rotation, but the playoff grind will test the depth and frontcourt muscle of this young Road Warriors team. Can their system hold up against the size of San Miguel, the schemes of Ginebra, or the intensity of Magnolia in a 7-game series?
We’ll soon find out.
Final Thoughts
Robert Bolick is no longer just a high-volume scorer or flashy highlight reel. He is evolving into a system-running, floor-general leader in the mold of NBA stars like Tyrese Haliburton. The nickname “Haliberto” might have been a joke, but the comparison holds weight.
If NLEX can rally behind their star and give him the right support, they might just be writing the most unexpected championship story of the season.
But if not? Then Bolick’s brilliance may shine in vain—just another MVP-level player trying to drag a middling roster to greatness.
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