PBA: Standhardinger puts premium on Ginebra success, not scoring

Barangay Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Christian Standhardinger was in his usual element, powering Barangay Ginebra to a pivotal Game 5 win over Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

Standhardinger imposed his will and finished with a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Gin Kings to an 89-84 comeback win on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

But for Standhardinger, Ginebra’s victory was all about team effort.

READ: Ginebra comes back to beat Meralco for 3-2 edge in PBA semis

“It has nothing to do with winning,” said the 34-year-old Standhardinger when asked about his latest performance.

“Even in that one game, it didn’t matter if I scored 41, we were losing. I know that there’ll be storylines and narratives about it but then I’d fail to get my teammates involved. At this point of my career, I’m getting old, the only thing that matters is winning. Winning in the playoffs, nothing else,” he added.

Standhardinger was referring to Game 2 when he erupted for 41 points in a losing effort.

READ: PBA: Standhardinger’s career game not enough to lift Ginebra in Game 2

On Sunday, Standhardinger was the main man once more but this time, the Gin Kings came away with a win.

And much to the delight of Standhardinger, almost every Ginebra player stepped up to the plate as the Gin Kings played their brand of unselfish basketball.

“I think this is Ginebra basketball, trying to make each other, everyone better. I don’t think we have one selfish person in the team and obviously, that helps,” said Standhardinger, who had a team-high five assists of the Gin Kings’ 20.

“As much as I get my teammates involved, we try to get everybody involved and it’s nice to play with teammates like that.”