Perhaps it's time to just get used to calling him All-Star Nards Pinto.
With LA Tenorio out for the rest of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Nards Pinto has been thrust into the starting role for the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings the past three games.
It’s no coincidence they are also on a three-game winning streak.
“It’s a bit under the radar how Nards is playing,” said Gin Kings big Christian Standhardinger, who himself has taken on a bigger role with the absence of Japeth Aguilar. “Having Nards, it helps us as a team a lot.”
Pinto has been averaging 6.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in the last three outings where he played as a starter. Those aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers, but coach Tim Cone is not looking at the stats to see the stellar play of the 5-foot-11 guard.
“He’s also a great defender, he’s tough,” the PBA’s winningest coach said.
With Pinto now sharing major minutes with reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson in the backcourt, Cone has another reason to be confident in his team.
“Scottie and Nards in the backcourt, they’re really, really tough guys. So, we have a real tough presence in the backcourt with those two guys playing together,” said Cone.
Following Cone’s coaching philosophy, Tenorio’s absence means a bigger responsibility to carry for Thompson, the star half of this new backcourt combo.
It doesn’t mean that the guard out of Arellano will be limited to the intangibles. Pinto dished out 7 assists in their win over the Meralco Bolts last Wednesday.
“His decision-making is amazing,” said Standhardinger.
Pinto's play will be crucial to Ginebra's success in the season-ending conference, as they seek to retain their top four seed for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.