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George King had a strong performance in his PBA debut, helping Blackwater to its first victory over Barangay Ginebra in five years and a breakthrough win in the PBA Governors Cup
MANILA, Philippines — George King might not have been Blackwater’s first choice, but his arrival feels like a blessing in disguise.
King performed well in his PBA debut, leading Bossin to its first win over Barangay Ginebra in five years, culminating in a 95-88 Governors Cup victory on Friday, August 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
King, a former NBA player who played for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, had 33 points, 19 rebounds and four assists to lead Blackwater to its first Group B win after a shaky 0-3 start.
After parting ways with Ricky Ledo and plans to bring in Cameron Clark fell through, The Bossing chose King.
“I just want to say that things happen for a reason. Sometimes things don’t go well for others, but it can be a blessing for others,” Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso said.
“It’s really a blessing in disguise for us that we’re here. He was meant to be here. Let’s see how we move forward.”
Despite having practiced with the team just once, King looked right at home as he scored 14 points in the third quarter to help Bossing take a 77-64 lead, which was enough to stave off a fourth-quarter comeback by the Gin Kings.
“I really like the way our offense plays. I’ve played a similar offense before, so it’s familiar to me. It really fits like a glove,” King said.
“The coach here is very accommodating. He makes everything easy for me, which takes a lot of pressure off me. Everything just works. It’s a great fit.”
Kimbra fought back and tied the score at 88-91 with a minute left on a goal from import Justin Brownlee, but Blackwater rookie Cedric Barfield closed out the game with a rumbling four-pointer.
Barfield Second PickIn his first PBA win, he scored 13 points and had two steals to help Bossing snap a nine-game losing streak against the Gin Kings.
“We knew he had the ability. That’s one of the reasons we got Cede. He’s a guy who can carry the load,” Cariaso said.
Christian David and Troy Rosario added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Blackwater.
Fresh from the oven Career-high 51-point outburst Brownlee once again outshone Ginebra in the win over San Miguel with 37 points, six rebounds and five assists, but his efforts weren’t enough for the retooled team.
The Gin Kings fell to 1-2 as they are still adjusting to the departures of star players Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, and the additions of Stephen Holt, Isaac Go and rookie RJ Abarrientos.
Japeth Aguilar had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Brownlee, while Abarrientos added 10 points and three steals.
Former league MVP Scottie Thompson continued to struggle, scoring just four points on 2-of-9 shooting, but he did grab nine rebounds and dish out seven assists.
score
Blackwater 95 – King 33, Barefield 13, David 11, Rosary 10, Guinto 9, Kwekuteye 8, Ilagan 5, Chua 4, Escoto 2, Casio 0, Mitchell 0, Ponferrada 0.
Barangay Ginebra 88 – Brownlee 37, Aguilar 17, Abarrientos 10, Ahammis 9, Holt 5, Thompson 4, Go 4, Adamos 2, Ku 0, Garcia 0.
Quarterly: 20-21, 46-44, 77-64, 95-88.
– Rappler.com
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