Almazan knows Tenorio hit had no malice: ‘It’s part of the game’

LA Tenorio wished Raymond Almazan a speedy recovery after the latter left Game Three of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and Meralco due to an apparent knee injury. 

It was the veteran point guard whom the 6-foot-8 big man landed on after he went up for a shot, causing him to fall awkwardly and lie on the floor in pain while clutching on his left knee.

Almazan, though, said that it was just an accident, and that Tenorio had even apologized for it.

“Humingi siya sa ‘kin ng sorry, tinamaan niya raw ako. Kilala ko naman ‘tong mga Ginebra players, hindi naman nila sinasadya makasakit. It’s part of the game,” he shared.

“Bumagsak siya nang alanganin din pero naramdaman ko, bumagsak siya sa paa ko or sa hita ko. Hindi ko alam eh. Pagbagsak niya, nandoon ako. Awkward, nakita ko sa replay,” Tenorio recalled.

“We’re hoping for a speedy recovery of Raymond kasi malaking bagay din siya. He really makes their team stronger.”

The Gin Kings pounced on Almazan’s absence, unloading in the third quarter behind Stanley Pringle before coming out with the 92-84 victory that gave them a 2-1 lead in the series.

Tenorio admitted that not having Almazan in the other team is of help for Ginebra, but still he prays that his fellow Gilas Pilipinas cager won’t have to face any serious injury whatsoever.

“Malaking bagay sa kanila ‘yung nawala si Almazan. We took advantage of that. But again, we’re praying na maging okay din si Almazan kasi we don’t like players going down, especially in this series.

“Nakita ko he’s really in pain. Raymond is a friend also. Kaibigan din ‘yan. Siyempre ayaw naman natin mangyari ‘yun. Sana wala namang serious na mangyari kay Raymond,” Tenorio said.