ANTIPOLO – Simon Enciso isn't making a big fuss about the clutch three he delivered for TNT in a game against his former team San Miguel Beer on Sunday night in a key collision between two proud teams with a winning tradition.
Enciso hit a dagger three-pointer down the stretch in a close contest that served as catalyst for the Tropang 5G’s first win in the PBA Philippine Cup, 89-84, at the expense of the Beermen at the Ynares Center.
The Beermen were breathing down the Tropang 5G's neck when the veteran Fil-Am sank the all-important basket with 49 seconds to go off a Rey Nambatac assist.
READ Enciso comes back to haunt San Miguel as TNT ends slump at last
As what his usual practice after making a basket from three-point range, Enciso shot an imaginary arrow into the air.
But he was quick to clarifiy it wasn’t meant to spite the Beermen nor send a statement against his former team.
“It was a game with a lot of emotions, it was a big shot. (But) the celebration does not mean anything else. I’ve done that a lot for San Miguel, too,” said Enciso.
“It wasn’t a statement, it’s just me enjoying the moment, enjoying being there on the floor, enjoying competing. I love this game."
Enciso finished with 13 points, four assists, two rebounds, and hit a trio of 3s in helping the Tropang 5G finally score a win on the leaderboard after losing their first three outings in the season-ending conference.
Coach Chot Reyes said the reason TNT signed up Enciso was because the team lacked an extra shooter from the outside.
Enciso was picked up the Tropang 5G as an unrestricted free agent after playing for San Miguel for three seasons and winning two championships with the franchise.
He found it fun playing against his former teammates for the first time since ending up with TNT.
“It’s always fun competing against them (Beermen). We always compete at practice. Although I didn’t get a lot of minutes, but there’s a lot of tough scrimmages in our practice, a lot of ‘shit’ talking,” he recalled with a big smile on his face.
Again, he said hitting that big 3 wasn’t all about him.
“I just try not to make it about myself, just try to figure out what I can do to help TNT, and try not to pay attention to what’s happening on the SMB side,” said Enciso.
“I’m just really proud of our guys, really happy for our guys. I’m just grateful to be out there and compete. Hopefully we can take this momentum and just keep on going.”
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