PBA: Garcia returns, tows newcomer Phoenix past NLEX

RR Garcia returns to carry the newcomer Phoenix Fuel Masters. PBA IMAGES

Phoenix made a triumphant debut after beating NLEX, 118-106, in the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

RR Garcia had a successful return from a dislocated shoulder and set a career-high 33 points built on 6-of-8 shooting from the outside in his first game back since early December for the Fuel Masters.

“The management have assured us that they will go all out with their support to the team. The players are so pumped up and inspired to play this game,” said Phoenix head coach Koy Banal. “We talked about making history. Our first game this conference and I’m thankful for the players for giving their all to be able to get this first W of Phoenix.”

“There’s always a first time. It’s history. No one can take it away from us, it’s our first win in our first game,” said alternate team governor Raymund Zorilla. “We told the players the company is backing them up. We just want their hearts, their passion and their performance. They responded this game and hopefully for the rest of the conference they will respond positively.”

Phoenix banked on its hot shooting, making 17 out of its 36 attempts from long range.

Nigerian import Kenny Adeleke wasn’t as explosive and athletic as his counterpart Al Thornton but the 33-year-old journeyman who last played in Puerto Rico before coming to Manila got the job done with 18 points and 20 rebounds.

“He really has what it takes to help us make it at least the playoffs,” Banal said of his 6-foot-9 reinforcement.

Thornton paced the Road Warriors (1-1) with 27 points five days after scoring 50 in an overtime win over Ginebra.

The former NBA veteran Thornton kept NLEX within striking distance late in the fourth quarter before an uncontested dunk by JC Intal and Garcia’s last 3-pointer sealed the game, 111-100, with 2:34 left.

“We missed RR. We missed that kind of spunk,” Banal said.