PBA Finals: Ahanmisi thrives off Ginebra bench in Game 3 win

Ginebra guard Maverick Ahanmisi in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Maverick Ahanmisi has no qualms coming off the bench for Barangay Ginebra, especially after playing his best game in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

After struggling as a starter in Games 1 and 2 of the finals, Ahanmisi snapped out of his slump and helped the Gin Kings avoid a 0-3 hole against defending champion TNT.

“Personally, I enjoy coming off the bench,” said Ahanmisi after Ginebra’s 85-73 win in Game 3 on Friday.

READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra plays big on both ends to chop TNT lead to 2-1

“It gives me energy. To watch the starting five go at it, it builds up my adrenaline at that point. When I go to the game, I’m already ready to go. No warmups needed.”

Ahanmisi led the Gin Kings’ bench play with 16 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench. He scored just 17 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field in Games 1 and 2 combined.

The 33-year-old guard also said coming off the bench allowed him to be “more aggressive,” in providing Ginebra’s offense a boost, which he had a hard time doing in the series’ first two games.

“I take it upon myself to match what the first group has done so I like it. I just tried to come in here and be aggressive today, They took a lot of things away from our offensive side in the first two games,” he said.

READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar downplays hurt nose in Game 3 win

“That’s what the team needs from me.”

Ahanmisi said Ginebra, which committed 19 turnovers in Game 3, still has a lot of room for improvement as they try to level the series on Sunday.

“I think we can get better on the defensive end and not turn the ball over. We’ll have to lessen those (turnovers) but as far as our defense goes, it’s always going to be there.”