By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Phoenix Super LPG squad is slowly proving to the PBA that they are the real deal after taking down the mighty Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 82-77, in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup last December 9, 2023, held at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.
With the huge win, the Super LPG squad just picked up its fifth straight victory and improved to a convincing 6-1 win-loss record.
After trailing for the majority of the first three quarters, Phoenix turned it up in the fourth and final frame to snatch the momentum away from the Gin Kings.
Ginebra had its largest lead of the game at nine points entering the fourth quarter but Phoenix’s balanced attack helped them level the Gin Kings’ intensity while also taking over the lead.
Phoenix kicked off its majestic fourth-quarter run at the eighth-minute mark of the fourth after draining a three-pointer that extended their advantage to four points, 71-67.
From there, the Super LPG never let their lead slip away and protected it from a Ginebra offensive run until the final buzzer.
Reinforcement Johnathan Williams delivered the crucial plays for the Super LPG after knocking down the two most important free throws that ballooned their cushion to five points, 82-77, with only 1.8 seconds left.
The Gin Kings were close to completing another never-say-die match after Tony Bishop drilled a perimeter jumper that got them to within three points, 80-77, with still 26 seconds left in the game.
However, Williams spoiled Ginebra’s comeback attempt with his pair of shots from the charity stripe and ended up with a monster double-double performance of 24 points and 23 rebounds.
Former New Zealand professional hoops swingman Kenneth Tuffin also balled out for the Super LPG, providing 18 big points while unsung hero JJ Alejandro contributed 10 points in the big win.
Meanwhile, Bishop led Ginebra in scoring with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists but his all-around effort wasn’t enough to help the Gin Kings escape the resilient Phoenix team.
