TIM Cone said Barangay Ginebra's Game 6 victory over San Miguel was nothing short of a ‘miracle’ after LA Tenorio drained the game-winning three that saved their PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup campaign.
Cone said the Kings struggled all game long until they were able to mount a comeback that gave them the opening to steal the win against the Beermen, who led, 38-22 and 80-71, before Tenorio saved the say.
READ Jericho Cruz's words for Tenorio before Game 6 winner prove prophetic
“Miracles do happen,” said Cone. “We were grasping for straws out there all game long, trying to find a way to continue to defend June Mar [Fajardo] with Japeth [Aguilar] cramping most of the game.”
“We turned to our veteran, our leader, he made the big plays down the stretch. It’s something we haven’t been able to do in this series. But LA’s presence just allowed us to make big plays down the stretch,” said Cone.
Tenorio played for no more than nine minutes and 40 seconds yet made the biggest damage with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
The 40-year-old guard also had two rebounds and two assists down the stretch, while also giving stability to the backcourt when he, Scottie Thompson, and RJ Abarrientos were on the floor together in the final quarter.
“And obviously, the big shot. But there was a lot more than just that big shot. It was plays before that that he kept us in the game,” said Cone.
Ginebra 'sixth man'
Cone said the Ginebra crowd also gave them life when all seemed lost.
“The crowd never gave up on us. We were down and we made a little bit of a run, the crowd would go crazy, they go on their run and then we made a little bit of a run, the crowd will go crazy again. They wouldn’t let us quit.
But at the end of the day, it was Tenorio who closed the game for Ginebra.
“Just showed a lot of fight, and again, led by our captain, what can you say. Like I said, miracles do happen,” said Cone.
“He’s made shots like that throughout his whole career. I’ve been a beneficiary of those shots. He’s put my kids through college, doing those kinds of things. No one appreciates it more than I do,” said Cone.
“I’m just thinking just now that if by chance, if by chance, we win this championship, this is the game everyone will remember right here. That shot of LA’s. He has given us a chance. He’s given us a chance to win a Game 7 and still fighting for a championship.
"We’ll see what we can do,” said Cone.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
