Japeth, Ellis and rest of Kings rally behind embattled LA

MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar was waiting in the left wing, the same spot where he buried two game-winning treys.  Chris Ellis, who was having his best scoring game and just drained a clutch jumper a couple of plays back, was in the right wing.

But none of them received the ball in the closing seconds of Game Five as Brgy. Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio opted to drive hard to the basket that missed miserably.

Game over. The San Mig Coffee Mixers stole Game Five from behind, 79-76, on struggling James Yap’s big shot from downtown with 13.4 seconds left.  

The bizarre ending had the Mixers letting out a sigh of relief.  The Kings, on the other hand, were left with grief.

Tenorio’s reputation was put into question.

“Siguro that moment mahirap ring masabi eh. Malaki rin kasi yung pressure kay LA,” Aguilar told Philstar.com.

Even San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone was not able to pay attention to the scoreboard. 

“I wasn’t sure myself if we’re up by two or by three, and I can’t blame LA. He got caught up in the moment,” said Cone. “It’s hard to stay calm in that basketball game.”

Two bad plays. One bad game. And everything Tenorio has built throughout his colorful career is being threatened to be thrown out of the window.

But his teammates and die-hard Ginebra fans are rallying behind him to bounce back. 

“We know babawi yan (si LA) next game. The last thing we want is for this team to give up,” Aguilar said. “Kailangan talaga that we stick together.”

(Read also: After Game 5 meltdown, Tenorio vows comeback)

And the fans came in droves to the Kings’ Sunday practice to show their unconditional support. Online photos and messages were pouring for the embattled point guard and their team facing another do-or-die game. 

Ellis, whose 20-point game went for naught, was hurting they did not get the win but the sophomore wingman has already embraced the never-say-die spirit of this team.  

“We felt like despite the mistakes we had in the game, we were still able to keep it close. It hurts. We should have got that one (Game 5). We had that game. We’ll bounce back strong in the next game,” Ellis said.

Despite the pain, the last thing Ellis wants is for them and the fans to pin the blame on Tenorio.

“We all talk to him. He’s our captain. He’s more than capable of doing what he does,” Ellis said.

“As a team, we don’t normally tear down anybody. We trust all his decisions. We go with what he does cause he’s our captain. Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way tonight. But we’re confident in everybody and we’ll bounce back next game,” Ellis continued.

Tenorio has opted to remain silent since that Saturday blues.

For the Ginebra die-hards and Tenorio faithfuls, it’s the calm before the storm.