Word War: Yap, Abueva trade barbs after heated Game 2

MANILA, Philippines – It all started as an entertaining trash-talking in Game 1. Now, the rivalry between San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap and Alaska rookie sensation Calvin Abueva has escalated to a full blown word war.

Yap had a frustrating night in Game 2 getting into early foul trouble but what irked him most was when Abueva hit him at the back.  

“Ok lang physical, walang problema. Pero yung physical na medyo hindi na tama… tinira niya ako. Siniko niya ako, sapul ang likod ko kung saan may injury pa ako,” Yap told reporters before he left the locker room last night. (watch James Yap's full interview here)

Abueva, however, downplayed the incident as just one “heat of the moment” play.

“Part of the game yun, physical game talaga. Kung ayaw mong masaktan, mag-chess ka na lang 'di ba,” Abueva told Philstar.com.

Yap did not back down though from the physical play of the Alaska rookie but he ended up at the raw end of the deal finishing with only five points in just 21 minutes due to five fouls.

“Naiintindihan ko naman dahil semis na, gagawin na ang lahat para manalo pero sana isipin rin niya ang kapwa niya players. Nakakasakit siya. Hindi ko alam kung ganun ba talaga siya maglaro or ​dahil rookie pa lang siya,” Yap said. “Gusto kong iparating sa kaniya na hindi tama. Masyado siyang nagpapakilala.”

Abueva did not mince words in saying that he will continue to get into Yap’s nerves to help his team win.  His assignment is to cancel out Yap in this series as their matchup serves to be the most interesting sidelight next to the “Alaska vs former coach Tim Cone” main storyline.  

“Part of the series na ‘to. Hangga’t 'di pa natatapos ang series na ‘to, trash talk ng trash talk yan,” the man they call "The Beast" said. 

“Siyempre hangga’t di pa natatapos ang game, hindi pa rin ako successful sa ginagawa ko.  Buti ngayon nagbunga at nanalo kami,” added Abueva, who got a busted lip in return for his physical defense.   

Yap had no problems if Abueva continues to hound him like a leech. But the 10-time All Star asked the referees to check on Abueva’s antics.

“Walang problema yun kung ganun talaga siya maglaro. Ang gusto ko lang, tingnan ng mga referees. Nakakasakit, nakakainjure, siyempre hindi na tama yun ‘di ba,” Yap said. 

read related story: Yap, Abueva impress NBA legend Muggsy Bogues