The two-day rest did wonders for San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo and his nagging shoulder injury as he finally broke out of his own shooting slump in the crucial 115-109 Game 5 win over Ginebra.

Fajardo, after being limited to single digit scoring in the last two games, posted 21 points and 11 rebounds — including two game-sealing free throws in the waning seconds to give the Beermen a 3-2 advantage in the race-to-four affair.

“Buti nakapagpahinga kami ng two days. Malaking bagay ‘yun… Medyo ok na kasi nagpahinga, nag-therapy ako,” said the nine-time MVP who only had six and nine points to show in Games 3 and 4.

SMB head coach Leo Austria praised Fajardo for playing through the injured shoulder which he hurt in the first two games of the series.

“Fortunately, we had two days (off) after Sunday. Nakapagpahinga siya and was able to do something about his shoulder. Makikita mo sa kanyang mata na gusto niyang manalo. Even ‘yung defense niya, kaya he committed five fouls. During his fifth foul, ayaw pa rin niya magpalabas. But I have to take care of his fouls,” said the veteran mentor.

It was also a huge help that Fajardo’s outside gunners like Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter connected from deep as it loosened up the Kings interior defense.

“Credits din sa teammate ko nag step up sila,” said Fajardo.

With the finals return now within reach, Fajardo and the Beermen are determined to finally end the series in Game 6 and get an additional time for rest before the Finals against another deep team TNT.

But Fajardo knew very well that Ginebra would not just easily fold.

“Crucial ‘yung panalo (in Game 5). Pero hindi pa rin puwedeng magkampante. Alam naman natin ‘yung Ginebra. Capable sila mag-comeback sa series. ‘Yun ang kailangan naming paghandaan sa next game,” he added.