With the game on the line, Tim Cone handed the keys to RJ. He provided the crucial assist.
In the Manila Clasico Christmas Day matchup between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, there was only a designated decision maker and no designated shooter.

In front of 12,198 spectators at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, coach Tim Cone revealed that he let rookie guard RJ Abarrientos call the game-winning play in the Kings’ thrilling 95-92 victory over the Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

In the final 11 seconds of the game, with the score knotted at 92, head coach Tim Cone thought back on the pivotal play. In order to take advantage of RJ Abarrientos’ playmaking skills under pressure, the plan centered on giving him the authority to make decisions.

Cone clarified that the idea was to use Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee’s connection to create opportunities by setting up a pick-and-roll situation between them. In order to optimize spacing, the remainder of the team dispersed over the court, with Brownlee flaring out to the perimeter.

The main goal was to allow Abarrientos to attack the paint, where he could either find an open teammate in the event that the defender faltered, dish back to Brownlee for a possible outside try, or take the shot himself. Because of the strategy’s emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, the squad was able to take advantage of any defensive breakdowns.

This methodical strategy demonstrated the team’s faith in its players to make the right choices when it mattered most. It emphasized the value of planning and execution, two crucial components that helped the Gin Kings perform well under pressure.

Abarrientos, who scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half, did exactly what he was supposed to do. He ran a pick-and-roll with Brownlee, who then gave the ball back to the rookie playmaker.

Then he found an open Scottie Thompson on the left corner after driving to the hoop.

The pro-Ginebra audience at the Big Dome went into a frenzy when the former MVP then made the game-winning three at the buzzer.

Head coach Tim Cone stressed that RJ Abarrientos’ performance was crucial in the game’s pivotal play. The club relied on Abarrientos, who was able to provide Scottie Thompson with a vital assist in the closing seconds.

Cone said that Abarrientos’ ability to break through the defense, create space, and deliver the precise pass that set up the famous moment was more important than Thompson’s game-winning shot, which will surely be remembered as the game’s high point. This collaboration demonstrated how crucial both individual skill and group effort were to winning.

In leading the Kings to a 4-2 record, Abarrientos ended with five assists, including the dish-off to Thompson, three steals, and a 6-of-11 shooting percentage.

Thompson finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Justine Brownlee, who took over for Abarrientos in the fourth quarter, finished with a game-high 28 points on 5-of-6 three-point shooting.

On Christmas Day, Manila Classical Offers Holiday Excitement

On Christmas Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Manila Clasico—the most anticipated rivalry in Philippine basketball—brought about yet another momentous chapter. The high-stakes contest between Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra had spectators on the edge of their seats and made for the ideal holiday spectacle.

Ginebra displayed their renowned never-say-die mentality by pulling off an incredible comeback from a 22-point deficit to win 95-92. The game showcased the league’s top players, and the Gin Kings won thanks to a game-winning three-pointer from Scottie Thompson. Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, and Justin Brownlee all contributed crucial plays that drove the rally.

Magnolia put on a great show, controlling the first several minutes and establishing a sizable lead under the direction of Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee. Their defense was anchored by Ricardo Ratliffe, who also made crucial points. But in the closing minutes, the Hotshots found it difficult to stop Ginebra’s unrelenting assault.

The game confirmed the Manila Clasico’s status as the height of Philippine basketball rivalries by highlighting its drama and ferocity. As both sides gave it their all on the court in a match full of passion, skill, and tenacity, it also gave spectators a holiday present.