Ginebra received some much-needed boost from battle-tested LA Tenorio to punch in its first win against TNT in Game 3 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
Brgy. Ginebra had a different lineup to open Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals with LA Tenorio starting the game instead of Maverick Ahanmisi.
The decision seemingly paid off for coach Tim Cone as Tenorio provided his veteran leadership and decision-making against TNT, firing seven of his nine points in the first quarter to serve as the spark plug for the Gin Kings who are scrambling for a win after losing in the first two matches of the best-of-seven contest.
He went on a 4-for-6 shooting from the field that went along with four steals in 16 minutes and 41 seconds on the floor.
“We’re just trying to manage our lineup and our rotation,” Cone said during the post-game press conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“One of the things we did, we started LA tonight just to lengthen our rotation. And I think he did a tremendous job leading us early and getting us into what we want to do,” he added.
[RELATED STORY: Ginebra evades scare of further dip in Finals series with Game 3 win vs TNT | PBA Highlights]
But aside from Tenorio's skills on the court, the 40-year-old point guard's guidance for his younger teammates is just as valuable.
This was expressed by Scottie Thompson, who put up 15 points, five rebounds and four assists — enough to earn him Player of the Game honors — in the crucial victory.
“Unang-una, I’m confident playing with Kuya LA for how many years. Alam na namin ‘yung isa’t-isa and nandiyan pa rin siya to guide me every time. Even if wala siya sa court, siya ang nagku-coach sa'kin kung ano ang gagawin,” Thompson bared.
“Excited ako kasi I know magkakasabay ulit kami sa court and Kuya LA is a winner. He knows how to win that’s why he set the tone sa'min coming to this game,” he added.
Daniel Padilla and Zanjoe Marudo are among the fans in attendance to witness LA Tenorio and the rest of Ginebra prevail over TNT in Game 3. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Import Justin Brownlee contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Ahanmisi chipped in 16 markers and eight boards for Ginebra. Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt had 10 points apiece.
Reinforcement Ronadae Hollis-Jefferson once again led TNT with 24 points and 14 rebounds but only shot 8-of-26 from the field. JP Erram added 12 points, while Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy supplied 10 each.
The Tropang Giga will look to bounce back to draw closer to their title retention in Game 4 on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the same venue.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 85 – Brownlee 18, Ahanmisi 18, Thompson 18, J.Aguilar 10, Holt 10, Tenorio 9, Cu 3, Abarrientos 2, Devance 2, Pinto 0, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0, Adamos 0.
TNT 73 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Erram 12, Castro 10, Pogoy 10, Oftana 9, Khoubuntin 4, Nambatac 2, Williams 2, Aurin 0, Heruela 0, Payawal 0, Galinato 0.
Quarterscores: 20-19, 42-39, 62-59, 85-73