ANTIPOLO – Isaac Go played one of his finest games in a Barangay Ginebra uniform since coming back from an ACL injury on Sunday.
Go played 11 minutes and scored nine points on a perfect 3-of-3 from the field, two of which came from three-point range, as the Gin Kings closed out Rain or Shine with a 118-107 Game Six victory in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
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Go drew cheers from the pro-Barangay Ginebra crowd at Ynares Center, in total contrast to the flak that the big man has been receiving on social media since he got healthy after a long injury layoff following his arrival from Terrafirma.
Go said he understands the sentiments of Ginebra fans when it comes to his play.
“They just want us to play our best,” said Go, who actually scored for the first time in this series in Game 6. “They are a fan base that has been loyal. We will ride by you and also criticize you. We really appreciate the support. They just want what’s best for the team, and they knew that I can play better that what I’m showing. Kulang pa.”
“Motivation to prove them that I want to help this team win,” said the former Ateneo and Gilas Pilipinas big man.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone lauded Go’s performance.
“He was really paramount to the game plan. We expected to play him. He played really well in Game 6 but no one really talked about it because he didn’t put up much scoring. But the two three-pointers he had from opposite corners were huge,” said Cone.
“It was really just being able to come in and follow the game plan, defend [against Jaylen] Johnson, Troy got into foul trouble early, and Japeth is still not quite 100 percent, maybe 85,” said Cone.
After chipping in, Go will play in the finals for the first time since he got healthy. He was part of the Ginebra team that appeared in the finals twice last season, but he was in street clothes both times as he recovered from the injury.
“I made two finals the first two conferences that I got injured. Parang rookie uli. And going through that process makes you really appreciate the opportunity to play in the playoffs, to play in the finals, it doesn’t come often.
"You have to cherish every moment that you have playing in the finals,” said Go.
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