PBA: Ranidel de Ocampo shrugs off Ivan Johnson's 6-point output: 'Di naman araw-araw Pasko'

Talk 'N Text sorely missed the steady scoring of their import Ivan Johnson in Game Six of their finals series against Rain or Shine on Sunday night, failing to go for the kill after their 101-93 loss.

The burly reinforcement was limited to a measly output six points and six rebounds in 32 minutes of play, a far cry from his usual strong offensive performance for the Tropang Texters.

Johnson has not failed to score at least 15 points since assuming import duties for the team from the eliminations until the Game Six off-night, but teammate Ranidel de Ocampo simply shrugged off his subpar outing.

"Nangyayari talaga 'yan. Di naman araw-araw Pasko di ba?" said the veteran power forward, who led Talk 'N Text with 21 points. "Dumadating din talaga sa isang basketball player 'yung off night. Kahit naman siguro si Michael Jordan may off night."

Johnson had a sour 2-of-9 shooting clip with just a single trip to the free throw line, clearly out of his rhythm the whole game.

He also figured in several incidents during the match, sending a palm to the face of Elasto Painter guard Paul Lee who was taking a shot and chasing Chris Tiu after the former Ateneo star intercepted the ball in a steal attempt.

De Ocampo, however, was positive Johnson was going to come back in Game Seven and help the team win their seventh championship title.

"Professional naman siya. Alam naman niya kung sino nagkulang," he said. "Matanda na siya, alam na niya kung paano babawi."

Game Seven is set at 7 pm on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. - RAF, GMA News