By REYNALD MAGALLON
Like an alpha predator to their weakened prey, the Barangay Ginebra Kings simply know when and how to deliver to the killing bite.
Showing great poise and determination, the Kings closed out their series with the Magnolia Hotshots in style, coasting to a 99-84 win in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinals series to march into 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Not even the ejection of Christian Standhardinger in the first quarter could stop the Kings’ march to their first mid-conference finals since 2018 as Ginebra came out with guns blazing and built a lead to as many as 24 points before it fended off a Hotshots desperation run in the payoff period.
A no stranger to closeout games, LA Tenorio displayed his veteran experience and led by example, firing 10 of his 18 points in the opening frame which practically set the tone to the masterful performance from the Kings.
Justin Brownlee provided a steady presence with 24 points, rebounds and six assists while Japeth Aguilar saved his best game for last, stepping up to Standhardingers absence posting 19 points and eight rebounds.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone lauded his team for showing the killer instinct in the closeout game and not let the Hotshots gain anymore momentum and force a do-or-die Game 5.
In the finals, the Kings should be sharper and wiser.
That’s because they will be facing the dangerous Bay Area Dragons in a best-of-seven title series.
The Dragons were equally impressive, outlasting the San Miguel Beermen, 94-92, behind the 42-point performance of Andrew Nicholson.
Like the Kings, the Dragons wrapped up their semis series with the Beermen, 3-1.
