After 57-point blast, Jamaal Franklin suddenly goes gun-shy vs. Ginebra

Jamaal Franklin goes for one of only five shot attempts against Ginebra. PBA Images

By Stewart Tan

MANILA—What has suddenly happened with Converge import Jamaal Franklin?

On Friday, Franklin tallied 57 points, including 29-of-30 free throw shooting, in the FiberXers’ crucial game against the Meralco Bolts.

However, he only went 12-for-36 from the field including 4-of-20 on three-pointers, and worse, he fouled out midway into the overtime period of the said game where Converge lost.

A more bizarre stat line happened two nights later against Ginebra.

After averaging 23.1 field goal attempts per game entering Sunday night, Franklin only took five shots all game long, going 2-for-2 inside the arc for four points but 0-for-3 beyond the 22-foot semi-circle.

At least as he claimed, the sudden lack of attempts is by design.

According to a report by TV5’s courtside reporter Apple David, Franklin said that he intentionally limited his shot attempts “to give confidence to his local teammates ahead of the playoffs.”

In 35 minutes of action, Franklin also had five rebounds and five assists against two turnovers.

However, his "plan" backfired as the Gin Kings still drubbed the FiberXers, 120-101.

[Related Story: Ginebra shuts door on Converge's Top 4 bid with blowout win]

Sportswriters at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig tried to reach out to Franklin after the game, but he declined to comment on the matter.

With a report from Ivan Saldajeno from Pasig.

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