LA Tenorio was a surprise starter and a spark for Ginebra as the Gin Kings were finally able to break through against TNT in the PBA Governors' Cup Finals.
In a move to try and shake things up in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, coach Tim Cone turned to an old reliable in Game 3 Friday, opting to start LA Tenorio.
LA hasn’t started in all of Ginebra’s Governors’ Cup playoff run up to that point, but Tenorio took the spot of Maverick Ahanmisi in the first group as the Gin Kings stared at a possible 0-3 Finals deficit against TNT.
“Basically to set the tone, start of the game we really need to set the tone. Sa mga ganitong klaseng game, possession by possession na eh,” Tenorio said.
“I think that’s the reason also na ganun ang adjustment.”
Tenorio did just that, scoring seven of his nine points in the first half to help keep the Gin Kings in front for most of the game.
Aside from his nine points, Tenorio also had a team-high four steals in Ginebra’s much-needed victory.
“I’m always ready. Whether starter or off the bench, you just have to be ready,” he said.
Changing starters in the middle of the Finals is always a risky move, but Tenorio certainly helped make the transition easier.
It also helped that Ahanmisi still got his despite coming off the bench. The veteran sniper fired 16 points in the win, ending up as Ginebra’s top-scoring local.
“Today was a big adjustment for us, palitan ang starting 5. But medyo effective, hopefully next game magawa ulit namin yug ganun,” Tenorio said.
“For sure, magkakaroon din ng adjustment ang Talk ’N Text, but we’ll continue to play the way we played today, and I think play better.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports)