Burrell, a former Chicago Bull who’s only in his second day in the country, didn’t have to work as hard as the Thunder ran a splendid fluid motion game to rip apart the previously unbeaten Realtors.
But Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao gave much credit to Burrell on their big turnaround from scrambling performances in their last two games.
"The locals know when they have a good import. Psychologically, that makes the difference," said Guiao. "Wala naman kaming binagong plays. Nagpalit lang kami ng import and the difference was day and night."
With Burrell in place of Ramel Lloyd, the Thunder raised their game notches higher and went on to even their win-loss record to 2-2. The Realtors suffered their first defeat in three games.
FedEx took advantage of the absence of Eric Menk in the Barangay Ginebra lineup and won its first game under new coach Boni Garcia with a 103-92 whipping of the Kings in the second game.
FedEx took advantage of the absence of Eric Menk in the Barangay Ginebra issue and won its fist game under new coach Boni Garcia with a 103-92 whipping of he Kings in the second game.
FedEx took advantage of the absence of Eric Menk in the Barangay Ginebra issue and won its fist game under new coach Boni Garcia with a 103-92 whipping of he Kings in the second game.
FedEx took advantage of the absence of Eric Menk in the Barangay Ginebra issue and won its fist game under new coach Boni Garcia with a 103-92 whipping of he Kings in the second game.
"He’s the perfect fit for the team. He gives us a lot of chemistry. With him, the team becomes a lot better," added Guiao of his new import.
"He’s very coachable, walang kaere-ere. And he plays excellent defense. Maybe, that’s what you get playing with Michael Jordan for two years," said Guiao of the former UConn standout.
who was among His Airness’ backups in the 1998 NBA champion Chicago Bulls team.
The Thunder got off to a jackrabbit start although Burrell opted to concentrate more on defense and simply float from the outside on offense in the first half.
Homer Se, Lordy Tugade and Davonn Harp were at the firing end as the Thunder took the first quarter at 31-13 and the opening half at 44-26.
Burrell joined the attack in the third quarter, rifling in two three-pointers and scoring on a breakaway layup off a steal as Red Bull Barako posted its biggest lead at 69-36.
Burrell came up with a double-double job with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Harp led the team with 25 points and 12 boards.
Meanwhile, Tony de la Cruz of Shell outclassed Coca-Cola’s Rafi Reavis, 23-4, in the opening tiff of the PBA King of the Court One-on-One showdown.