SMB coach Leo Austria not surprised by Shabazz Muhammad's 57-point eruption in win vs Meralco

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria was not the least bit surprised with their import Shabazz Muhammad's 57-point scoring eruption in their 115-100 victory against the Meralco Bolts on Saturday in the PBA Governors' Cup.

In fact, Austria knew something like this was bound to happen after Muhammad's debut last February 27, in which he scored 27 points in a 104-87 loss to Magnolia.

Since then, San Miguel bounced back with a 104-100 win over Rain or Shine before this performance against Meralco, where Muhammad scored 57 points, including 45 in the second half, as well as grabbed 19 rebounds in 45 minutes of play.

"We need him to play that long because I can see it from his eyes in our last game, he said 'I'm here to win a championship,'" Austria said in the post-game presser.

"And that's something na ipakita niya but what I'm so proud of is he wanted to win because he knows the importance of this game and this is the only way to go to the next round with an advantage of twice-to-beat."

Austria wasn't surprised by Muhammad's heroics in this game because he's known about his import's capabilities from his stints in other countries.

Muhammad was a former 14th overall pick by the Utah Jazz and had a lengthy stint with Minnesota Timberwolves from 2013 to 2018 before having a short stay with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018.

He had also seen action in China, playing for Shanxi Brave Dragons and Shenzhen Aviators.

"But I think it's not surprising because I think what he did tonight, in other leagues, is ginagawa niya rin 'yan," the multi-titled mentor added.

Muhammad was actually Meralco's original option for import but he was unable to make the trip to the Philippines due to a personal emergency.

He was tapped by San Miguel, however, at just the right time as they go on a playoff push.

"I hope this momentum of us will continue dahil next game, it's playoff time. I'm so thankful na na-unleash namin 'yung potential ni Shabazz," Austria added.

Moving forward, though, Austria hopes to get more help from his local players in their bid to get the elusive Governors' Cup title.

"I'm happy for him (Muhammad) but still, we need to do something for him dahil it seems na one-man team kami. But I'm so happy with the support of locals in terms of defense."

The Beermen have earned an outright playoff berth with a 7-4 card but are still awaiting results of other games to determine whether they will book a twice-to-beat incentive.

—JMB, GMA News