With returning import K.J. McDaniels back for another tour of duty, Meralco came out ready to relaunch its bid for a possible playoff run.

The Bolts announced their readiness as they registered a dominant 105-87 triumph over Rain or Shine at the start of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup Sunday night at the Philsports Arena.

McDaniels displayed his tip-top condition, finishing with 27 points, a career-high 23 rebounds, and three assists in a solid all-around performance for the Bolts, who uncorked a huge third-quarter rally, 27-14, to rip the game wide open.

The National Basketball Association veteran wasn't only bigger, but also stronger and more athletic to lead the Bolts' dominance in rebounding and inside points.

Meralco grabbed 63 rebounds — 20 more than Rain or Shine. That also manifested in more second-chance points for the Bolts, who got 24 as against only six for their rivals.

The Bolts also had 54 points inside the paint compared to only 18 for the Elasto Painters.

Playing in his fourth tournament in the PBA, McDaniels is looking forward in getting the job done.

He first played for TNT and nearly led the squad to the championship round, but lost ironically, against Meralco, in the best-of-five semifinals series in the same tournament four years ago.

Two years ago, McDaniels returned, this time playing for NLEX, then being coached by Yeng Guiao, but had to leave after leading the Road Warriors in securing a twice-to-beat in the playoffs to attend to family matters.

The Bolts recalled him as a replacement import to take over the spot of ineffective Johnny O'Bryant in the Commissioner's Cup, but their 1-5 win-loss record was just too deep of a hump to overcome.

In his latest tour of duty, McDaniels came out in his best condition in years and is so pumped up to start the tournament on a winning note.