‘We need to improve transition D,’ says Tenorio as near triple-double wasted in Ginebra loss

Sports5 file/Paolo Papa

For the second straight game, LA Tenorio had a scintillating performance.

After finishing with 18 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds in a win over Air 21, Tenorio posted a near triple-double of 17 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists on Sunday against San Mig Coffee.

But his effort was all for naught as the Gin Kings lost the Manila Clasico encounter.

Tenorio noticed the same problem bugging the Gin Kings in their fourth loss in six games

“Yung transition defense namin talaga, we really have to work on it,” Tenorio told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview. “We have to do something about it. Every game yun ang laging nagiging problem namin.”

Tenorio said the team had already discussed this problem, but they’ve yet to translate on the court.

“Before the game, practice, laging ito yung napag-uusapan namin, transition defense. Hindi ko alam eh, pero yung ganitong bagay hindi na dapat itinuturo ng coaching staff yan. It’s all about willingness to get back on defense right away,” said Tenorio.

Ginebra had a sizzling start before turning cold after the opening period.

“Nasira kami nung second quarter. Nakahabol sila,” said Tenorio, as San Mig Coffee erased Ginebra’s early 14-point advantage.

“Simula noon, medyo na-down na kami, then the whole time kami na yung naghahabol.”