Basketball

San Miguel Beermen legend Marcio Lassiter has etched his name into the annals of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. His recent performance in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup continues to solidify his status as one of the most lethal shooters in the league. On Sunday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Lassiter achieved a monumental milestone during his team’s dominating win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, propelling himself to the top of the PBA’s all-time three-point leaderboard.

Lassiter’s remarkable feat came as he overtook the long-standing record held by the legendary Jimmy Alapag, further highlighting his prowess as a sharpshooter. He entered the game needing only three three-pointers to break Alapag’s record and managed to accomplish the feat in the first quarter. Lassiter finished the night with 18 points, sinking six three-pointers in total, leading San Miguel to a resounding 131-82 victory over Barangay Ginebra.

Lassiter’s Milestone: Breaking a Legendary Record

The veteran sharpshooter surpassed Alapag’s record of 1,250 three-pointers, a record that had stood unchallenged since 2016. Alapag, the 2011 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), had previously broken the record held by Allan Caidic during Game 2 of the 2016 PBA Governor’s Cup Finals on October 9, 2016. Caidic, one of the most feared shooters in PBA history, held the record for years before Alapag took the crown.

Lassiter’s achievement came in just 538 games, a testament to his consistency and longevity. For comparison, Alapag reached his 1,250 three-pointers in 601 games, which highlights the efficiency with which Lassiter has racked up his triples over his career. As the 36-year-old Lassiter continues to shoot lights out, there’s no telling how far he can extend his record in the coming years.

“I’m just truly honored and blessed to be in this position, and yeah, words can’t describe how I feel. I’m just overwhelmed with a lot of emotions right now,” Lassiter said in an interview after the game, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.

While Lassiter’s personal achievement is remarkable, the veteran shooting guard was quick to acknowledge the support system that helped him reach such heights. Lassiter credited his coach and teammates for their pivotal roles in his success. “Coach Jorge is a tremendous coach, giving me the confidence every night to come out and showcase my talents. He is drawing great plays for me. And also for my teammates,” Lassiter shared.

The humble sharpshooter emphasized the contributions of his teammates, singling out two in particular: June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross. “I definitely couldn’t do this without my teammates from the past and right now. They helped me out with so much, especially, I feel like the main two that probably gave me the most assists are June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross,” Lassiter added.

Lassiter’s bond with Fajardo and Ross has been instrumental in his continued success, as they have consistently provided him with scoring opportunities throughout his career. Fajardo’s dominance in the paint draws double teams, often leaving Lassiter open on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Ross’s playmaking skills have enabled Lassiter to receive pinpoint passes, allowing him to execute his deadly catch-and-shoot threes.

San Miguel’s victory over Barangay Ginebra on September 15 was more than just a personal milestone for Lassiter—it was a statement of intent by the Beermen. The 131-82 win was a dominant performance, showcasing San Miguel’s offensive firepower and defensive solidity. With the win, the Beermen extended their win-loss record to 6-2, firmly positioning themselves as the top team in the ongoing Governor’s Cup standings.

The margin of victory also highlighted the depth and balance of San Miguel’s roster. In addition to Lassiter’s 18 points, several other players contributed heavily to the team’s success, underscoring the Beermen’s formidable presence in the league.

As the Governor’s Cup progresses, San Miguel is looking like a serious contender for the championship. With Lassiter in top form and the team firing on all cylinders, fans and analysts alike are expecting the Beermen to make a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for Lassiter and San Miguel?

Looking ahead, Lassiter and the San Miguel Beermen will face their next challenge on Thursday, September 19, when they take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. With his three-point shooting in peak form, Lassiter will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Beermen’s offense in their quest to maintain their position atop the standings.

As for Lassiter’s record-breaking career, the next question on everyone’s mind is: how much further can he extend his lead? Currently, only Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s LA Tenorio and Magnolia Hotshots’ Paul Lee are seen as the most likely candidates to challenge Lassiter’s newly established record. However, with Lassiter showing no signs of slowing down, it could be a while before anyone else comes close to his record.

LA Tenorio, a savvy veteran known for his clutch shooting, and Paul Lee, one of the league’s most versatile scorers, both have the potential to mount a challenge in the future. However, as it stands, Lassiter has solidified his legacy as the greatest three-point shooter in PBA history.

Marcio Lassiter’s Legacy in the PBA

Marcio Lassiter’s legacy in the PBA is now cemented, not just as one of the greatest shooters in the league, but as one of its most respected players. Over the years, Lassiter has garnered a reputation for his work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to his craft. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, even as he enters his late 30s, is a testament to his commitment to excellence.

This milestone is not just about surpassing Jimmy Alapag’s record—it’s about the years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that have gone into Lassiter’s illustrious career. For the San Miguel Beermen and their fans, Lassiter’s achievement is a proud moment, as it symbolizes the continued success of one of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

HIS-THREE.

Marcio Lassiter has surpassed Jimmy Alapag as the PBA’s all-time leading leader in three-point baskets made. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/uFMZqlGvgE

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 15, 2024

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