THORNTON ERUPTION CARRIES NLEX PAST GINEBRA
ANTIPOLO — Al Thornton came through with a performance not seen in the local pro league in a long while, exploding for 50 points as NLEX turned back Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 96-90, to move up to joint fifth place at the resumption of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center here Wednesday night.
Held to just two points in the opening period, Thornton turned unstoppable in the next three quarters, making one amazing shot here, an incredible play there and frolicking just everywhere as the Road Warriors notched the crucial win that tied them with the Gin Kings, the Barako Bull Energy and the GlobalPort Batang Pier at 4-4.
Putting in display the form that made him an NBA All-Rookie First Team awardee in 2008, Thornton got away with the biggest output by anybody in PBA Season 40, delivering more than half of NLEX’s score on 3-of-6 three-point shooting, 18-of-24 total field shooting and 11-of-18 free throws.
He also marked his “Jordanesque” showing with 18 rebounds and two assists against three turnovers in 45 minutes of action.
“Credit goes to my teammates too for giving me the ball. I’m here to carry the load. That’s what I’m here to do and I’m confident with that role,” said Thornton after powering the Road Warriors to a third straight win and fourth in their last five games.
Thornton put up an All-Star performance three days after the PBA All-Star Game in Puerto Princesa.
The Kings came out strong from the All-Star break, dominating the first half before slowing down in the third quarter and then fading away as Thornton completely took over the game at the finish.
Ginebra stayed in strong contention for the playoffs, though, as the Kings suffered only their second loss in their last six games.
The win was crucial for NLEX.
“It’s really crucial as we could have fallen to 10th place, half a game behind Kia, had we lost the game,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
Trailing from the beginning and staring at a 12-point deficit once, NLEX finally pulled even at 68 late in the third and moved ahead at 83-82 with 3:49 left to play.
The Road Warriors charged back into the fight riding the exploits of Thornton who made toughest shots anyone could imagine.
And as the NLEX locals joined the attack, the Road Warriors built a 91-83 lead with time down to 1:51.
Asi Taulava was a pillar on defense all night, winding up with 16 rebounds, eight points and two blocks.
Mike Dunigan, Greg Slaughter and LA Tenorio topscored with 23, 21 and 20 points, respectively, for the losing team. (SB)
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