In the last two games of the semifinals, import Joshua Smith has been instrumental for TNT Katropa, making it hard for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to provide any answers for him as he starts to get his groove down low.
“Maraming nabibigay yung import,” lamented Ginebra star LA Tenorio of Smith, who averaged 25.5 markers and 14.5 boards in two games. “Katulad ng sinasabi ni coach Tim, given naman talaga that he will get his numbers.”
But also looking at those outings, it wasn’t just Smith who has been the thorn in the throat of the Gin Kings. It was actually the local players who brought them damage, especially in end-game situations, Jayson Castro in Game 1, and Anthony Semerad in Game 2.
And that is what the Barangay did in Game Three, Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum — they neutralized the production of the locals. It brought results, as Ginebra won and averted a sweep, 125-101.
“The past two games, kami yung dino-dominate ng all-Filipino,” said the 32-year-old.
“This time around, naging okay kami against their all-Filipino lineup, kasi they’re really beating us up. This game, yun yung adjustment.”
But aside from the technical tweaks the Barangay made, the native of Nasugbu, Batangas shared that the team simply played their own brand of basketball, which led to the series-saving victory.
“This game, parang sinimplehan lang namin. Kung ano yung ginagawa naming tama for the past games, ginawa lang namin for today’s game,” said Tenorio, who is averaging 15.0 points and 3.7 assists.
As Ginebra pushed the series to a fourth game, Tenorio is aware that they are now playing the underdog’s role once more. But instead of taking it as a disadvantage, the two-time champion sees it as an advantage, just like Justin Brownlee.
“Para sa akin, tingin ko mas pabor sa amin, kasi yung sense of urgency namin, yung focus namin as a team, mas nandun eh, talagang lahat parang locked in talaga sa lahat ng ginagawa namin. Sanay kami dito eh,” said the 11-year veteran.
“Galing na kami dito, so siguro mas okay na rin na ganitong underdog kami kaysa nasa taas kami.”
