Tenorio lives up to ‘Showtime’ billing in leading Ginebra to finals

LA Tenorio vs JC Intal PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — He helped Ginebra shut the door on a gritty Talk N’ Text down the stretch in the pivotal game five with his gutsy drives — L.A. Tenorio is not called “Showtime” for nothing.

For leading the Kings to their dream run to the Finals, averaging 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the last two games against the Texters, Tenorio was named the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week.

“The last two games talagang naka-focus ako,” said the veteran guard. “I motivated myself in a lot of ways para lang talaga makatulong ako sa team na manalo.”

Tenorio said he had embraced the “never say die” attitude of the Kings — especially as he towed his squad from a 1-2 deficit in the best-of-five semifinals to win the remaining finals berth in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Tenorio made sure the Kings had a comfortable edge late in game five, scoring on three straight drives for 102-89 lead with over a minute and a half to play.

He poured 12 of his team high 28 points in the fourth quarter, as Ginebra completed the ouster of Talk N’ Text, 113-103, on Sunday.

“Na-absorb ko na yung ‘never say die’ ng Ginebra. Going into this game, di ko na inisip na may sakit ako or may injuries. Basta makapasok kami sa finals,” said Tenorio,

“Swerte naman and God is good talaga dahil he gave me strength and wisdom nitong last two games,” said also said.

In the first three games of the series, the heady guard — who was expected to carry the cudgels with Mark Caguioa sidelined — was just averaging just 8.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists,

But he came alive just as his team needed him most.

“Siya talaga ang nagdadala ng team. Parang siya ang naging heart and soul ng team nu’ng mawala si Mark,” said head coach Al Francish Chua.

Tenorio and the Kings face his former team Alaska in a best-of-five finals duel, which is gearing up to be another classic considering the franchises’ history against each other in the 90s.

The usual best-of-seven finals series is being cut short to give time for the national team to prepare for the Fiba Asia Championship in August.