Despite witnessing a bizarre performance from the opposing import, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel kept its focus, leading to a 120-101 victory over Converge in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup late Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
Kings coach Tim Cone admitted that they were shocked with the passive attitude of Converge import Jamaal Franklin, who wound up with only four points after refusing to take shots in a game that was very crucial to their playoff run.
“Yeah, we’re surprised that Franklin was not as aggressive as he has been in the past, but that was not our issue,” said Cone, whose wards are now tied with San Miguel Beer at the second spot with a 7-2 win-loss card.
Still, Cone asserted that they kept their composure despite witnessing one of the most shocking and bizarre performances in the local professional league.
“Our issue is to go out there and win a basketball game. If he (Franklin) wants to take 50 shots or zero shots, it doesn’t matter to us. We’re just going out there and try to get the win.”
With Franklin suddenly turning gun-shy, the Kings rallied behind Jamie Malonzo’s career-high 29 points while Justin Brownlee and Christian Standhardinger put up double-double performances.
Brownlee tallied 28 points and 12 rebounds while Standhardinger had 28 markers and 10 boards.
“Before the game, we talked about how important this game was. Coach has this saying right now that goes, ‘just keep on chucking,’” Malonzo said.