PBA: Stephen Holt laments missing crucial triple in Ginebra loss

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Stephen Holt during Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals in the NorthPort Batang Pier. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Stephen Holt missed arguably the biggest shot for Ginebra in its Game 4 loss to Northport in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

But if you ask last season’s league Rookie of the Year, that one miss didn’t define the Gin Kings’ 108-103 loss at the hands of the Batang Pier.

It wouldn’t have hurt if he made it, though.

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“Jamie had a tough finish, he missed so we just wanted to get a two if it was open but Scottie kicked it out to me for a three. I had an opportunity but one play doesn’t define the game,” told Holt with Inquirer Sports at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

“Obviously, I wish I would have made it but again, we made a lot of mistakes defensively. Offensively, we probably could’ve moved the ball a lot better.”

Northport led, 106-103, in the dying seconds of the game after a fadeaway from Kadeem Jack with 19 seconds left.

When the Gin Kings regained the possession, they went to several cogs like Malonzo and Thompson but Holt was found by his teammates at the left-wing corner for a wide open three-point shot that misfired.

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Holt’s miss ultimately let the Batang Pier get their first win of the series at 3-1.

The former Terrafirma star finished with an all-around game of 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in 34 tiresome minutes that also featured him in an alteracation with Allyn Bulanadi after a fumbled fast break opportunity by the Gin Kings.

Bulanadi barked at Holt but the latter kept his cool and walked his way back to the bench. The two-way shooting guard, though, understood that it was just a normal occurrence, especially in the playoffs.

“It’s a physical game, it’s the playoffs and emotions are high. I just want to keep my emotions in check and help the team the best way I can,” he said.

“I rarely lose my cool, I’ve never gotten a technical in my life… if they want to play that way, I can’t back down and I’m excited for the challenge again.”

Ginebra will turn to Holt once more on Friday for Game 5 at the same venue.