Mocon return big boost in Phoenix playoffs push
PHOENIX Super LPG interim coach Jamike Jarin has high hopes that the return of wingman Javee Mocon from injury could help galvanize the Fuel Masters’ sagging playoff bid in the 2022-23 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Fuel Masters vented their ire on a listless Terrafirma Dyip to post a runaway 125-100 triumph last Saturday.
Import Du’Vaughn Maxwell got tossed out of the contest midway in the third period after incurring a flagrant foul penalty, one for landing spot infraction while challenging the shot of Terrafirma import Jordan Williams. The Phoenix reinforcement already had a technical foul early in the third canto after engaging Terrafirma guard Alex Cabagnot in a verbal spat.
Maxwell’s ejection, though, came at a time when he already helped Phoenix establish a huge lead. The locals managed to take it from there, with Mocon contributing 13 markers, four assists and two rebounds in 20 minutes in his first game this conference since undergoing the knife to remove bone spurs on his problematic knee.
Though the former San Beda star missed the team’s first six contests, Mocon showed signs of his old form. And that in itself, was a big encouragement already for Jarin.
“That’s a good sign out there because Javee Mocon can play multiple positions, the 3 and 4 [spots], so we’re flexible right now with his return,” Jarin said, whose team snapped a two-game skid to improve to 2-5.
“But game shape he was a little shaky from the start but come the second half, he was the Javee Mocon we all used to see and he will just get better.”
Mocon averaged 14.8 points and over six rebounds during the Commissioner’s Cup as he helped the Fuel Masters reach the playoffs.
His return is a big boost for Phoenix, which tries to make up for lost time and pile up the much-needed wins in its last four elimination round assignments that include Converge, Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco.