Raymond Almazan is determined to make a significant impact for Meralco in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup Finals clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and atone for the circumstances of their previous title showdown.

A knee injury sustained by Almazan during Game 3 of the 2019 Governors’ Cup Finals served as a crushing blow for the Bolts as their chances of finally getting one over the Gin Kings diminished and eventually a 4-1 series defeat.

That misery still hasn’t lost on Almazan, especially after Meralco got another chance at facing Ginebra for the title by way of its hard-fought semifinal triumph over Magnolia Pambansang Manok.

“Ang ganda na ng nilalaro ko noon e. Lahat kami maganda nilalaro and then tied series and then ma-iinjure ka,” Almazan said. “Sobrang sakit noon. Pero that’s basketball.”

The lanky center was playing well through the first two games of that series, averaging 17.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks which saw the two teams trade victories.

But the series took a drastic turn in Game 3 when Almazan got hurt six minutes into the contest, leaving Meralco without its major inside operator.

He did make a surprising return the following game, even scoring 12 points and hauling down nine rebounds in 28 minutes. But it was obvious that Almazan was far from usual self.

Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar capitalized on this and was later named Finals Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of the series.

Meralco is hoping that the setback would be enough motivation for Almazan to deliver in the series, especially after a vital performance against Magnolia in the deciding Game 5 of the semis with 18 points on a perfect 9-of-9 clip.

“Gusto ko talaga going into the finals, mayroon akong confidence para makatulong sa team on defense and offense,” he said.

“Kasi hindi talaga natin pwedeng iasa kila New (Chris Newsome), sa import namin (Tony Bishop), kay Allein (Maliksi) so kailangan talaga mag-step up,” added Almazan.