Jonathon Simmons proved that he is worth the hype, delivering a masterful performance to power NLEX to a 124-102 victory over Blackwater in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Simmons, a National Basketball Association veteran, was a picture of concentration despite being bothered by the possibility of flying to China in the coming days to re-join his team in the Chinese Basketball Association.

In fact, he nearly missed his first game with the Road Warriors after his previous club – the Shanxi Loongs – refused to issue his clearance, wanting him to take the next available flight to China.

Fortunately, the Road Warriors were able to secure a Letter of Clearance from the International Basketball Federation, enabling the 33-year-old American to make his PBA debut.

Inside the court, Simmons wasn't a picture of a troubled man as he delivered a sterling performance to help the Road Warriors launch a powerful rally in the fourth quarter to seal their first victory in the season-ending conference.

Simmons had a near triple-double of 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, but his impact in the stat sheets spilled all over the court with Kevin Alas, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Anthony Semerad chipping in significant numbers for the Road Warriors.

"Last night, I slept early," NLEX coach Frankie Lim said while addressing the Simmons situation.

"I didn't want to talk about it. I just got a text this morning that he can play. That's about it."

Lim said he never doubted Simmons' willingness to suit up despite the reported "NBA value" money being dangled before him by his previous employer.

"I was pretty confident that he could play. It was a big push for us. Simmons is not a good player – he is a great player. He knows how to play. He knows how to take the shot. He knows when to pass. We're so lucky to have him."