THUMBS UP FOR POWELL AS GINEBRA ARRESTS SKID
Josh Powell proved tailor-fit for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at least in his debut game with the Kings.
Powell stuck with the role he’s supposed to play and, with more local involvement, Ginebra rose from a stupor, topping Meralco, 88-78, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
As a result of Ginebra’s win, Globalport eventually bowed out of the playoffs race.
“Nakasunod agad sa sistema at ibinigay ang hinahanap namin,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin on Powell’s performance helping the Kings catch up with the Bolts at seventh place at 3-4.
“Kitang-kita sa stats. Balanse ang scoring namin at ang laki ng improvement ng assists namin,” Agustin also said. “All-around si Powell at mas involved ang locals namin sa kanya. Kay Leon (Rodgers) dahil scorer, nanood na lang ang locals namin.”
With Powell playing in place of Rodgers, the Kings indeed rotated the ball a lot more as evidenced by six Ginebra players finishing in double figures.
Powell debuted with just 16 points and 15 rebounds but drew immense help from Chris Ellis, Greg Slaughter, Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio and Josh Urbiztondo who contributed at least 10 markers each.
The Kings dished out 22 assists, definitely an improvement from their 16.5 average in their first six games.
“Pinu-push nya talaga yung mga kasama niya,” said Agustin.
Ellis responded big time in the fourth quarter, almost single-handedly fighting off the Bolts at the finish by scoring all of their last 10 points.
The high-flying Ginebra forward piled up 14 of his 16 points in the last quarter and highlighted his endgame explosion with back-to-back three-pointers making it 86-73 in the closing seconds.
Darnell Jackson had a decent debut as a Meralco import with 25 points and 18 rebounds.
And with the needed help from Gary David and Jarred Dillinger, the Bolts engaged the Kings in a fierce battle until Ginebra came through with a decisive run from a 71-70 count.
Caguioa fired a trey, Ellis sneaked in with a tough layup before Powell scored on a jam off a feed by Caguioa to touch off Ginebra’s breakaway. (SB)
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