James Yap hailed PBA Player of the Week

STILL GOT IT. James Yap wins his first PBA Player of the Week award of the 2019 season. Photo from PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Even at 37 years old, James Yap keeps on demonstrating he still has the "Big Game" repertoire.

Yap's resurgence continued as he helped Rain or Shine win 3 straight games in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup by averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for the period of February 5 to 13.

The Elasto Painters have won 5 successive matches overall and carry a league-best 7-1 record, with the veteran gunner being a huge part of their success.

His performances made him the rightful winner of the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award. (READ: Turning 37, James Yap wishes for first PBA title with Rain or Shine)

Yap drilled in 6 triples against NorthPort on February 8 to finish with 18 points and lead Rain or Shine to a come-from-behind 107-100 triumph.

The former two-time league Most Valuable Player was then limited to a measly 2 points as Rain or Shine halted Phoenix's unbeaten streak with a 98-94 win on February 10.

But Yap wasn't about to settle for another quiet game after torching Magnolia with 18 points and 5 rebounds and converting the game-winning three-point play in a 75-74 victory on February 13.

With the Elasto Painters down 72-74 with less than 10 seconds left, Yap pump faked two defenders and knocked down a one-handed floater plus the foul from Rome dela Rosa. He coolly sank the foul shot for the win.

Yap bested teammate Beau Belga; San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, and Arwind Santos; and Alaska's Chris Banchero, Carl Bryan Cruz, and Ping Exciminiano for the weekly honor. – Rappler.com