NLEX coach Frankie Lim couldn’t emphasize enough the magnitude of their win against Barangay Ginebra.
“I think tonight was extra special for the players,” said Lim after the Road Warriors defeated the Gin Kings in overtime, 120-117, on Friday to keep their slim hopes alive for a quarterfinal spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“Naturally, they are playing a big team like Ginebra; very strong team. The challenge was always there. Even if you are up by seven, six, you are not assured of a win," he added.
[READ: Thrilling NLEX win dents Ginebra bid at twice-to-beat spot]
The Road Warriors improved to 4-7, joining TNT at 10th place just a game back of eighth placer Rain or Shine (5-6) - reviving its playoff chances just a week after falling victim to a Terrafirma side that ended a 25-game losing skid.
Lim coached Barangay Ginebra in 2015, but his short-lived stint with the team was far from the pre-game talk with the ballclub.
Lim said he challenged the players for the all-important clash against Barangay Ginebra, while encouraging the team to atone for that loss to the Dyip.
“Medyo namo-motivate ako kapag kalaban ‘yung mga malalakas na team. Sa akin, sa lahat, super lakas ng Ginebra. I was joking around, sabi ko, 'Itong Ginebra, puwede na maging Gilas ‘to eh sa lakas,'” said Lim.
“I challenged my players na it’s nice to beat strong teams. Kita mo, nagsisisigaw sila ngayon sa dressing room for sure,” said Lim during the postgame press conference.
“Tapos natalo pa kami sa Terrafirma. We have to bounce back,” said Lim.
Earl Clark had 37 points and 17 rebounds for the Road Warriors, but Lim said the victory was a total team effort that also drew big games from Don Trollano and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
“We had a big game with Don. Pinupulikat pa ‘yan. As usual, Earl. Brandon had a great three-point shot right in the corner. That was very big for us. I want to mention one of my players, si Mike Miranda, who only played for a while but held his own inside the court.”
“Again, it was a team effort. My rotation was shorter this time but we made sure that they got enough minutes and they got the rest they need except for Earl. If Earl had to play for 60 minutes, he is going to play 60 minutes,” said Lim.
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