Photo credit: PBA

Robert Bolick is making waves in the PBA Commissioner's Cup—and history, too. The NLEX Road Warriors star not only led his team to a crucial 122-110 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive, but he also accomplished something that hasn’t been done in over four decades.

Bolick dropped a jaw-dropping 40 points and dished out 10 assists, becoming the first local player in 41 years to hit the 40-10 mark. The last player to achieve this feat was none other than the legendary Ramon Fernandez, who posted 44 points and 15 assists for Beer Hausen back in 1984. Oh, and Fernandez threw in 17 rebounds for good measure in that classic overtime win. Bolick’s performance was a clear reminder of how special he is on the court.

As humbled as Bolick was by the historical comparison, he was more focused on helping his team stay in the playoff hunt. “Wala nang bukas e,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of NLEX’s situation. “We still have an opportunity, and we want to grab it.”

With NLEX improving to a 5-6 record, they’re now tied with Magnolia for eighth place and are just ahead of San Miguel Beer (5-7). Their fate rests on their final elimination game against guest team Eastern at Smart Araneta Coliseum. A win would guarantee them at least a playoff for the eighth seed.

Bolick’s heroics didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week honors for January 21-26. He edged out other top performers like NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino, who powered the Batang Pier to a strong finish, and Magnolia’s dynamic duo, Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa.