Patrimonio, the long-time Purefoods team skipper who now also acts as team manager, skipped a game for the first time since he was forced to sit out a game in Oct. 9, 1992 after sustaining a deep cut on the forehead in a collision with then Swift Mighty Meaty import Tony Harris in a previous game.
In that 12-year span, slight ailments and injuries didn’t deter Patrimonio from giving his full services to the team. In fact, he even played two games while the remains of his deposed father were still lying in state at a Manila chapel in 1998.
"Ang tinging ko kasi may responsibilidad kami una sa team, sa liga at sa mga fans. Kaya kahit may sakit ako, kung malayo sa bituka, lalaro pa rin ako," said Patrimonio.
The four-time MVP, however, said he could no longer bear the pain on his left knee Friday, thus, he informed the coaching staff he’s ready to sacrifice his record streak.
"During the warm-up, pinapakiramdaman ko at baka kayanin ko naman. Kaya lang may galaw na masakit at maganda naman ang takbo ng laro ng mga teammates ko. So sabi ko it’s about time na siguro na matapos ang record," said Patrimonio.
The former Mapua star said he felt some comfort after the game especially with his team emerging the winner via a 93-91 decision on June Peter Simon’s endgame heroics.
"May naalis na kung ano sa dibdib ko. Lumuwag ang pakiramdam ko. Kailangan na rin siguro talagang matapos ang record," he said.
"I’d like to thank God for the power and strength he has given me. With this streak over, it’s time for the team to move on," he added.
Patrimonio, who has missed only a total of nine of his 866 pro career games, intends to take a rest first, allowing his injured knee to heal before plunging back into action.
Given an automatic contract extension up to July next year, Patrimonio has yet to decide what to seek from his team at the end of that pact.
The team management has said it’s all up to Patrimonio, meaning he can opt to continue playing or concentrate on his other job as team manager. Patrimonio is turning 38 late this month.
Does he see any player capable of surpassing his record?
"Records are meant to be broke. Alagaan lang nila ang katawan nila. Be dedicated and maintain discipline," said Patrimonio.
However, no one is close to Patrimonio’s record among the active players in the league at the moment.
After Patrimonio’s 596, the closest is Marlou Aquino’s 198, then Willie Miller’s 174 and Rodney Santos’ 160.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola and Barangay Ginebra, tied with Purefoods and FedEx at third place, seek to close in further on leaders Talk n Text and Shell as they take on separate opponents in the Gran Matador PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.
The Kings tackle the Red Bull Barakos at 4 p.m. then the Tigers clash with the Sta. Lucia Realtors at 6:30 p.m.