Never-say-die Kings channel inner Jaworski

Down 22 points with three minutes left in the third quarter, any other team would’ve had their will to fight broken.

But not Barangay Ginebra.

Channeling their never-say-die spirit, the crowd-darling Kings gave the 12,198-strong crowd, mostly Ginebra fans, in attendance inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Christmas Day a memorable treat.

Scottie Thompson nailed the game-winning triple on the left corner at the buzzer to shock Magnolia, 95-92, in yet another classic rivalry match in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.

The manta cultivated by no less than the Living Legend Robert “Sonny” Jaworski lives on with the new generation of Ginebra stars.

“It’s just the aura of Ginebra of never-say-die. We don’t represent it as much like the old Jaworski days but we still feel it. We still talk about it and it’s still part of our culture,” Kings coach Tim Cone said.

Ginebra’s cardiac game escape improved its win-loss record to 4-2 to stay within striking distance of those inside the Top 4 in the standings.

The way the Kings, who struggled in the first half, took the triumph made the win even sweeter as they headed into the holiday break on a bright note.

“Tonight, we lived up to Sonny Jaworski and his crew. And I’m really proud of that,” Cone said.

Ginebra got into a 54-76 hole after Hotshots guard Jerrick Balanza sank a layup with 3:35 left in the third canto.

The Kings behind resident import Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half, spearheaded a telling rally fueled by the ringing “Ginebra!” chant by their faithful.

Ginebra caught up with Magnolia late in the fourth after Brownlee hit a trey for an 84-84 lead with 4:30 remaining. The Hotshots traded baskets and knotted the game at 92 in the last 22 seconds.

Cone drew up a final play that earned dividends when Abarrientos found an open Thompson for the perfect kick out pass and the dagger trey in for the win in true Manila Clasico fashion.

“It feels good. Of course, it’s extra special because it’s Christmas. The fans came out and showed a lot of support for us, spending their hard-earned money. We’re just happy to give Ginebra fans a gift for Christmas with the win, especially with the way we did it. You know, Scottie, hitting a huge incredible shot,” said Brownlee, who finished with 28 points on 10-of-21 field goal shooting including a 5-of-6 clip from the three-point, grabbed seven rebounds and had five dishes in 45 minutes of action.

“Gotta give credit to the team. Of course, we gotta give credit to the opponent, Magnolia, they came and shot well especially in the first half. Also RJ, he stepped up big for us knocking down those big shots in the second half that really got us going. Overall a good team win and good Christmas Day for Ginebra.”