Does Ginebra work better with their backs against the wall?
Barangay Ginebra lifer Jayjay Helterbrand thinks so.
After showcasing its stingy defense during the first four games in their semifinals series against the Star Hotshots, the Gin Kings’ faltered in Game Five, allowing the Hotshots to shoot a series-high 48 percent from the field that led to an 89-80 loss.
And with the defeat, the Barangay are now clouded with uncertainties once more, as they are currently lagging behind in the best-of-seven series, 3-2.
“For some reason, we like it like this. I don’t know why, parang ganun yung gusto namin — we play better with our backs against the wall,” said 17-year Ginebra veteran Jayjay Helterbrand.
The 40-year-old finished the game with six markers but was tasked to close out the game for Ginebra. His 15 minutes of game time though was pivotal in the Barangay’s late surge, hitting a triple off a Mark Caguioa assist to close in by just seven, 87-80, to cut a once 17-point lead.
The late surge led by duo dubbed as the Fast and the Furious brought excitement back to the silenced Ginebra crowd. However, they fell short.
“I just tried to make things happen,” said the seven-time All Star. “With the time we have, just be aggressive and try to gamble — hoping my shots go in. A couple of shots [went in] and we’re right back in the game.
“But we just came up short.”
But even if they are facing a huge obstacle right now — needing to win two games in a row to advance to the Finals, the five-time champion made light of the predicament they are in, saying that the Never Say Die mindset is something that they have embraced fully.
“It seems like we don’t like it when we have a comfortable lead. Gusto namin nahihirapan kami, I honestly think we play better that way.
“It just seems we our successful that way, just like last conference. It’s the same thing pero sana matuto kami na do it the easy way sometimes pero we just need to play the best that we can,” added the 2009 Most Valuable Player.
In all seriousness though, Helterbrand hopes this loss serves as a wake-up call to them as it’s either win or go to Boracay time.
“If we are not awake right now, then we are in trouble, it’s a must win for us next game or else it’s Boracay time, so we gotta win the next game,” vowed Helterbrand.
