Tenorio says long breaks could work both ways for on-fire Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines — For some teams, having a lengthy break is a good time to recharge amid a very tiring conference.

For the Magnolia Hotshots, though, it is a double-edged sword.

Following a slow start in the import-laden conference, Magnolia has won three straight games in the PBA Governors’ Cup, the latest of which was a 115-101 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

But after this week, the PBA will have a few months’ break in time for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

“Too bad, magkaka-break kami ng nine weeks, no. Sayang yung momentum na nandoon na sana,” Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio said after the game.

“But again, we really focused on this game. We really needed this game, especially before the long break. Napakalaking bagay sa amin ito,” he added.

At the start of the conference, Magnolia lost three of its first four games, including their first two contests.

And from that point on, the Hotshots have won by huge margins against Barangay Ginebra, the Meralco Bolts and Phoenix.

The squad is currently second in the standings in Group B.

Tenorio, though, stressed that he will let his players rest during the break.

“But I told the players na part of being a professional is hindi kayo mawala sa kundisyon kasi mahaba. Ang sinabi ko sa kanila, kung sinong pinaka-smart dito sa break na ito sa mga teams, yun yung team na malaking chance to go to the playoffs,” Tenorio said.

“Because maraming pwedeng mangyari with this break. Ako, personally, I have to do my Gilas duties as an assistant coach this window and then Asian Games. But I know my players,” he added.

“Some of them will not go home, siguro mga one week or two weeks lang then they will start working already. Kasi they know the importance of this break and this conference for us.”

Magnolia is currently trailing Rain or Shine in Group B. The Elasto Painters are holding a 4-2 win-loss record. 

The Hotshots are tied with Phoenix, with a 4-3 slate, while Blackwater Bossing is at 3-3. 

Ginebra is currently fifth in group play with a 2-3 card, while Meralco is at the bottom with a 2-5 record.

The PBA will take a break from August 15 to October 6. 

The next game day will be on October 7, and the Hotshots’ next game will be against Blackwater on October 9.