Bay Area — the most dominant visiting squad to play in the Philippine Basketball Association the last four decades — had taken the league by storm after clinching a twice-to-beat incentive in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
But the Dragons could only thank the PBA for bringing out the best in them.
Despite playing their imports alternately in the elimination round, the Dragons were able to showcase their brand of game that is fast, entertaining and explosive local fans are delighted to see.
The Dragons ended their elimination round with a 10-2 win-loss record, assuring themselves of a twice-to-beat advantage going to the next round.
Either Bay Area finishes No. 1 or No. 2 hardly matter as it had already gained the playoff bonus it can enjoy when it battles the lowly-ranked teams in the quarterfinal round.
For the most part of the tournament, the Dragons were getting the bulk of their production from imports Myles Powell and Andrew Nicholson — two players who saw action in the National Basketball Association but could only take turns in seeing action.
Powell averaged 37.3 points per game to lead all imports in scoring.
He also topped the reinforcements in three-points made per game with at least five per contest while tied with Kaleb Wesson for most steals per game with two.
The heady playmaker, who had a brief stint playing with the Philadelphia 76ers last year before cracking the Dragons roster this season, is also the leader in player efficiency rating with +15.5 in +/- average.
Playing four games this season, Nicholson used to be the best scorer among reinforcements as well, averaging 38.5 points per game.
Both Powell and Nicholson each had a 50-point output in one game, but the 6-foot-2 guard from Philadelphia was able to do it in just three quarters.
