Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings rookie RJ Abarrientos during Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos had his best game as a rookie in a Game 6 loss in last year’s PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
The prized swingman out of Far Eastern University may have to replicate that same outing in this conference’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals’ Game 6 to help bring the crown back on the Gin Kings’ heads.
Abarrientos, though, said he is simply focused on giving what Ginebra needs him to do and not looking for just another career game.
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“I’m not looking for that but if it comes and we win, why not? As long as we win, why not?” told Abarrientos with Inquirer Sports after their 73-66 win over TNT at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
“I’m not looking for my stats now. I’m looking for a championship. That’s what all of us are looking for.”
When the Gin Kings succumbed to eventual champion Tropang Giga last conference in Game 6, Abarrientos went down swinging with a career-high 31-point outburst.
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Things haven’t been going Abarrientos’ way in this finals series, where Ginebra now leads 3-2.
After scoring 13 points in Game 1, Abarrientos couldn’t seem to find consistency in his offense, unable to give the Gin Kings a significant boost.
“I haven’t changed anything but things happen. I’m trying to do my best in giving some players their rest like Kuya Scottie. When I sub in, I do my part so they can rest,” explained the former Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year.
On Sunday, those same “things” haunted Abarrientos again with just two points in 12 minutes of action.
Abarrientos will be watched intently by TNT and the Ginebra faithful on Wednesday as the Gin Kings look to close out the series at the same venue.