LA TENORIO said breaking the record for the most consecutive PBA games was nothing short of a “miracle.”
On Sunday night, the Ginebra star played his 597th straight game to break the record set by Purefoods great Alvin Patrimonio, who, incidentally, sat on the opposing ben as the team manager of Magnolia on Sunday night.
Tenorio said he found it strange that he never suffered any serious injury in his entire PBA career. The last time he missed games due to an injury was way back in 2002 while still playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP.
That time, Tenorio suffered a fracture in his hand that forced him to miss most of the second round. He returned for Ateneo's two wins over University of the East in the Final Four and the victory over La Salle in the finals.
“For me, it’s really a miracle,” said Tenorio, who was presented to Tenorio by no less than Patrimonio at halftime for becoming PBA’s new Ironman. “I consider this as a miracle sa buhay ko."
"Thinking about it, my last injury was 2002. For the past 17 years, I’ve been playing competitive basketball. Parang it’s God’s gift na binigay sa akin. Ako ang pinili Niya sa milyon-milyong basketball players kasama na ang NBA, PBA, international games. Ako ang pinili Niya to do this. It’s really a miracle and a God’s gift.”
Tenorio said the feat is surprising since he believes there are players who are far more disciplined than him.
“Lahat ng players, ginagawa ‘yung ginagawa ko. Siguro mas disiplinado pa nga sila sa akin eh. ‘Yung iba, hindi nga nag-gu-good time. Ako, nag-gu-good time pa ako. May mga players na strict sa diet, sleeping early, ‘yung mga ganun,” said Tenorio.
Tenorio said he tried his best to treat the game as a normal one, but admitted asking his teammates to win it for him.
“Ang hirap kasi maraming nagre-remind sa akin. I want to thank my teammates for supporting me in this game. I asked my teammates to win this game for me. Talagang tinulungan nila ako in this game especially si Scottie (Thompson). Kahit nagka-cramps na siya, naglaro pa rin siya.”
After breaking the record, Tenorio said he has no plan to rest.
“Wala akong balak magpahinga after this. Kaya pa naman,” Tenorio said.
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