SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--James Yap has reached another milestone in his storied 16-year career.
Yap's step-back triple with 2:16 left in the second quarter of Rain or Shine's crucial 80-74 victory over TNT on Tuesday night hiked his total made three-pointers to 1,171.
That put the 38-year-old gunner on a tie at No. 3 with Ronnie Magsanoc in the league's all-time list of players with most triples.
"Sa totoo lang 'di ko naman na iniisip kung ano 'yung mga milestones na dadating sa career ko. Lahat naman ng naa-achieve ko ngayon 'di ko iniisip 'yun. Kumbaga kusa na lang dumarating," said Yap, who joined the elite 10,000-point club two years ago.
"Syempre thank God kahit papaano narating natin 'yung award na medyo mahirap makuha dahil kailangan medyo mahaba 'yung playing years mo para makuha mo 'yun. Syempre nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumutulong sa'kin, sa lahat ng mga fans na sumusuporta, sa lahat ng mga teammates ko na nagtitiwala pa rin sa'kin hanggang ngayon," added the proud University of the East product.
Not only did the two-time MVP make another record, he was also instrumental in the Elasto Painters' successful mission of sealing the last quarterfinal spot and keeping their twice-to-beat hopes alive in the Philippine Cup.
Yap fired a team-high tying 16 points built on four treys, all in the first half, which went with two rebounds and an assist as Rain or Shine registered its second straight win for an improved 6-4 slate.
And the seven-time champion did all of that coming off a right calf injury, which he rested in the Painters' 82-71 win against Blackwater on Sunday.
"Lagi kong iniisip na laban lang, papakondisyon lang gamitin o hindi. Positive pa rin. Laging handa lang talaga," said the Escalante, Negros Occidental native.
ROS coach Caloy Garcia praised Yap for adding another feather to his cap.
"I'm happy for him," said Garcia of his most veteran player. "Knowing James Yap, he deserves that and all his achievements in his career."