Aris Dionisio keeps his focus on helping the Magnolia Hotshots in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup as they head towards the quarterfinals.
Magnolia forward Aris Dionisio's hard work paid off in a huge way in leading the Hotshots to a 110-94 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, securing their spot in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
The 29-year-old forward exploded for a career-high 30 points, with a scorching nine three-pointers, resetting the franchise record for most triples in a game.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Aris Dionisio sizzles as Magnolia prevails in all-Filipino battle vs. NorthPort, clinches quarterfinal berth]
But even with his historic night, Dionisio remained grounded, emphasizing the importance of the win rather than his achievement.
“Every game, mine-mention ni coach na kailangan namin mag-start strong kasi slow start kami madalas. Nahihirapan kami maka-recover. Tinanim ko sa isip ko na kailangan mag-go hard ako, kailangan namin 'yung panalo para makapasok sa playoffs,” Dionisio said during the post-game press conference.
“Hindi ko iniisip 'yung mga achievements. Basta tinatanim ko sa isip ko na kailangan makatulong ako sa team every game,” he added.
In his opening salvo, Dionisio drained four of five three-pointers, leading the Hotshots to a 22-9 start that NorthPort struggled to overcome.
His relentless shooting from beyond the arc set the pace early and established a new franchise milestone, surpassing Boyet Fernandez’s eight triples set in 2001.
Having been known as a deadshot from the outside over the past couple of seasons, Dionisio credited the achievement to his extra effort in practice. But he remained focused on helping the team achieve their goal this conference.
“Every day, maaga ako pumupunta. Konting muni-muni lang, tapos pagkanafi-feel ko na puwede na akong humawak ng bola, na-stretch na, shooting. Talagang every day, hindi puwedeng hindi ako mag-sho-shooting,” said Dionisio. “Nag-bunga lang ‘yung mga extra practice ko, extra shooting kaya na-achieve ko ito.”
Dionisio will look to continue his hot shooting in Magnolia’s final game in the elimination round as they face the surging Converge FiberXers on Monday, September 23.