Great win before 50,000 Ginebra fans

MANILA, Philippines — The Barangay Ginebra Kings are thankful the next tournament will not start until December as they savor the taste of victory in the PBA Governors Cup.

The Kings will be on cloud nine perhaps until they get back to the training camp for next season after a successful title defense in a deciding Game 7 watched by a roaring crowd of over 54,000 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan Friday night.

Winning a sudden death alone is a special feat. More so because  they emerged victorious in a do-or-die showdown before a delirious throng of  54,086 fans, majority of them belonging to the Barangay.

The Kings savored that moment after a 101-96 conquest of the Bolts to culminate a sequel to their triumphant ride versus the same tough opponent in the same conference last season.

“It’s unfathomable playing in front of 54,000 people. Nobody does that; maybe before 30,000 or 25,000, but not 50,000. Make it back-to-back 50,000. That’s a privilege,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

“It’s awesome. I’m so proud of that. I’m proud to be part of it. I’m so happy that we made the Ginebra fans happy. That’s the best part of it all. I’m happy we won it for them,” Cone added.

Cone, the league’s winningest coach, has figured in 11 Game 7s and has won a total of 20 championships, including two grand slams.

He said “No. 20” is special because it happened before that humongous crowd – probably the biggest ever in the sport all over the world.

“The fact that it’s a Game 7 and we’re able to win it in front of that crowd makes it special,” said Cone.

“I’ve always said that all championships are like your children, you value each one. Each one is different. Each one has a personality but you all like it equally. But no doubt No. 20 is going to be special because of all the things that happened in front of the Ginebra fans. Fifty thousand. It blows my mind,” he added.

It’s an amazing playoff ride where the Kings first crushed the San Miguel Beermen’s grand slam bid in the quarterfinals, then outfought the TNT KaTropa Texters in a highly emotional semifinal face-off.

Justin Brownlee, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Joe Devance, LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado, Mark Caguioa, Scottie Thompson and Kevin Ferrer composed Ginebra’s superb core group in their triumphant playoff run.

But Cone said Tenorio truly deserved being the Finals MVP while pointing to Devance as their unheralded Game 7 hero.

“LA did an amazing job. LA really deserved the MVP. When he’s on, we won four games. When he’s off, we lost three games. It’s an MVP award well deserved,” said Cone, adding Tenorio was also their biggest hero in Game 7.

“He hit big shots all game long. Just when we needed it, he made it. He’s super pumped up to start the game. He was hyper and he’s everywhere. After four or five minutes, he settled down and played incredible basketball,” Cone pointed out.

The crucial role that Devance played was not lost on Cone.

“Joe was unheralded hero. The defense he did on (Meralco import Allen) Durham for three quarters was just incredible. He followed the game plan perfectly. He’s such a high IQ guy. You might think Durham was off, but give Joe some credit for really playing Durham smart off the ball and on the ball,” Cone said.

With a good core that could be together for years to come, Cone believes Ginebra can build the next dynasty in the league.

“We’re going to win more titles,” said Cone before their ecstatic diehards during the awards rites.