Vintage James Yap leads Rain or Shine past NLEX

James Yap showed big game form for Rain or Shine. KC Cruz

James Yap showcased vintage form to lead Rain or Shine to a 113-105 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on the opening day of the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The two-time PBA Most Valuable Player scored 26 points, including the biggest baskets down the stretch that helped Rain or Shine repulse NLEX.

"It's nice to see James Yap back. I just hope he'll be healthy," said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

With the Elasto Painters up by just a single basket, Yap scored on a one-handed jumper with 1:16 to give Rain or Shine a 107-103 lead.

He followed that up with a crossover that left NLEX big man Bradwyn Guinto reeling, leaving Yap open to bury a dagger three-pointer to give the Elasto Painters 110-103 edge with 40 seconds left.

"Itong conference na ito pinaghahandaan ko talaga," Yap said after the game.

Garcia also praised the balanced attack by Rain or Shine, which drew 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists from import Shawn Taggart. Raymond Almazan led the bench with 18 points, while Jeff Chan chipped in 12.

NLEX import Wayne Chism, who won Best Import honors for the Elasto Painters in 2015, finished the game with 27 points and 21 rebounds, while Carlo Lastimosa scored 12. Eric Camson and Kevin Alas were solid off the bench for a combined 23 points, while Asi Taulava rounded up the Road Warriors in double figures with 12. —JST, GMA News