NBA defensive stopper Mario West uses experience to slow down Gary David

PBA/Nuki Sabio

NBA veteran and Meralco import Mario West has guarded some of the best players in the world.

“I’ve guarded Kobe [Bryant], [Kevin] Durant, and Carmelo [Anthony],” he told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview.

On Sunday, West used that experience to shadow the PBA’s best scorer, Gary David, and lead the Bolts to victory over the Powerade Tigers.

Meralco star guard Sol Mercado credited West’s defense for limiting David, who came into the game averaging better than 26 points per game.

“He blocked him twice and he was able to shut down Gary a lot of times,” said Mercado. “Mario was bigger, stronger and faster and he was successful in defending the top local scorer in the league. He won’t be able to play in the NBA if not for his defensive prowess. That was the main reason he was able to play in the big league.”

David scored 20 points, but had a difficult time because of West’s defense in the first half.

Still, West praised the Powerade superstar. “I like his game. He’s one of the best players in the league and he’s a good player coming off screens,” said West.

“But tonight, I tried to limit his touches as well as his production.”

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