The Kings orchestrated a masterful performance, fueled by Tenorio's emotional return after a nine-month absence due to a battle with colon cancer. The PBA Ironman record holder started the game to a thunderous ovation from fans, teammates, PBA officials, and even the opposing team.
While Tenorio's physical form was still a work in progress, his mere presence ignited a spark in Ginebra, who seized control of the game from the second quarter onwards.
Shaking off the emotional rollercoaster of Tenorio's return, the Kings unleashed a blistering 20-3 run, transforming a 31-34 deficit into a commanding 51-37 advantage midway through the second period.
Ginebra never relinquished control, leaving Terrafirma scrambling for answers. The defending champions extended their winning streak to four games, solidifying their position in the standings with a 4-1 record.
Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, and Tony Bishop, the Kings' formidable trio, formed an unstoppable force in the paint, dominating Terrafirma's defense.
Bishop led the scoring charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Standhardinger chipped in with 24 points and 10 boards. Aguilar added 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jamie Malonzo and Maverick Ahanmisi contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Tenorio, though still recovering from his illness, contributed six points, drawing the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Despite Javi Gomez de Liaño's 22 points and import Thomas De Thaey's 18 points, Terrafirma couldn't find a way to match Ginebra's intensity, suffering their third consecutive loss to drop to a 2-4 record.
Ginebra's victory served as a fitting tribute to Tenorio's unwavering spirit and the Kings' unwavering determination to defend their championship title.
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