JOE Devance doesn’t mind playing through lots of pain, especially in the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
In pain for already more than three weeks and counting, Devance just refuses to be on the sidelines knowing Barangay Ginebra continues to need him the most in its war against San Miguel.
The versatile Gin Kings forward, who is playing through a torn plantar fasciitis in his left ankle, takes pain-killing injections 30 minutes before every game to be able to play and help his squad.
Devance repeatedly said that there’s no way he will miss a beat despite all the pain he is feeling day in and day out.
“My team is in the middle of a war and there’s no way I’ll be sidelined. I’ll continue to play on and help the team, though obviously I’m far from 100 percent,” said Devance.
Despite his handicap, Devance still managed to lift his team in a big way, scoring the game-tying basket in Game 2 to send it to overtime and allow Ginebra to equalize the best-of-seven finals at 1-1.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone knows Devance brings more than his talent, clutch plays and versatility to the team.
“Joe gives us a lot of emotional boost and we need every bit of that. We’re just grateful for all his sacrifices for the team,” said Cone.
Devance suffered his injury in Ginebra’s do-or-die battle with Alaska earlier this month with the last semifinal ticket at stake.
Since then, he’s playing in excruciating pain.
As of this writing, the Gin Kings and the Beermen are going at it again in Game 3 to see who gets an important upperhand in the championhip showdown.
Once again, Devance has a heavy load on his shoulders as another Ginebra frontcourt player Jervy Cruz suffered a shoulder injury in Game 2.