PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Champion and Barangay Ginebra veteran guard Nards Pinto. PBA Images.MANILA — Nards Pinto once again proved his reliability, stepping up when it mattered most as Barangay Ginebra captured the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup crown and ended a three-year title drought.
The veteran guard knocked down two crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping Ginebra build separation and eventually secure an 88-76 victory over TNT Tropang 5G in Game 7 on Wednesday.
READ: Gin Kings reign supreme over Tropang 5G, clinch Commissioner’s Cup crown
And for Finals MVP Scottie Thompson, the Gin Kings would not have completed the victory without his fellow NCAA product’s timely contributions.
“Alam ko na si Nards, laging ready ’yan,” said Thompson of Pinto, who finished with six points and two rebounds. “I work out with him every single day, so alam ko kung paano siya lumaban kahit ’di siya masyadong nagagamit. He knows how to win.”
With Ginebra riding the momentum it built in the third quarter, Pinto buried a triple early in the fourth period to stretch the lead to 73-65 off a Thompson assist.
The Arellano University product then connected on another three with 3:04 remaining to give the Gin Kings an 80-74 advantage, and for Thompson, it was another testament to the composure and steadiness possessed by one of his closest friends.
“Whenever his number is called, ready siya palagi,” Thompson stressed, as Pinto secured his third PBA title. “Hindi na ako nagulat kay Nards. He’s a vet and knows how to win in these kinds of championships.”