Hong Kong Eastern made an impressive debut in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, defeating Phoenix Super LPG 102-87 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. The visiting team, led by PBA veteran Cameron Clark, showed confidence and control on foreign soil, emulating the successful debut of the Bay Area Dragons in the same tournament in 2022.
Game Highlights
- First Half:
Cameron Clark led the charge with 19 of his 25 points scored in the first half. Phoenix, powered by import Donovan Smith and Jayson Perkins, kept pace and narrowed Eastern's early double-digit lead (27-14) to just four points (49-45) at halftime. - Second Half:
Eastern pulled away in the third quarter, with Hayden Blankley contributing 10 of his 18 points during the decisive run. The team's collective effort extended their lead, which Phoenix was unable to recover from.
Key Performers for Eastern
- Cameron Clark: 25 points (19 in the first half)
- Hayden Blankley: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks
- Glen Yang: 13 points
- Yin Lung Cheung: 11 points
Phoenix's Effort
- Donovan Smith: Game-high 33 points (18 in the first half)
- Jayson Perkins: 22 points (18 in the first half)
Despite their strong first-half performance, Phoenix faltered in the second half, unable to match Eastern's pace. The loss extended Phoenix's struggles after a poor showing in the previous PBA tournament.
Impressions and Insights
Eastern's debut showcased the value of previous PBA experience among its players, including Clark, Blankley, Kobey Lam, and Glen Yang. Their cohesive performance highlighted their readiness to compete at a high level in the tournament.
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