If it seems the Magnolia Hotshots struggle to take care of the ball at times this Commissioner’s Cup, it’s because they often do. And coach LA Tenorio believes he knows why: the Hotshots were still figuring out their offense.
But one of the most cerebral players in PBA history is encouraged that his team will eventually figure things out. The Hotshots appeared to take a step forward in that direction in their 120-101 victory over the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday, as they had three fewer turnovers—17 for the game—than the 20 they committed in their 91-89 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
“At least nag-improve kami. Tatlo ang nabawas…,” said Tenorio, explaining Magnolia’s turnover struggles. “Marami kaming turnovers because of the familiarity of the offense. We changed our offense from last conference to this conference, so another adjustment for them.”
Tenorio Stresses Defense as Turnover Problem ‘Fixable’
While the Hotshots are continuing to figure out the new offense, Tenorio wants them to focus just as much on the other side of the ball.
“What I really emphasize with this team right now is really to play defense because on offense, we can do whatever we want as long as we take care of the ball,” Tenorio stressed. “Etong mga turnovers naman namin fixable naman. It’s really about the familiarity of the new system and the new offense that I put in this conference.”
Indeed, the Hotshots have already shown they are capable of taking care of the ball, coughing it up just 11 times in a loss to the Blackwater Bossing and in a win over the Terrafirma Dyip.
But if Jerom Lastimosa, Mark Barroca, or anyone else did turn the ball over? Tenorio wanted his team to move on and do the right thing—buckle down on defense.
“Unti-unti, hopefully 20 last game, 17 this game, hopefully next game 15. Pababa ng pababa,” Tenorio added. “But I always tell them, if we turn the ball over, we have to get back and play defense.”
Magnolia did exactly that in their win against San Miguel. Lastimosa and company still turned the ball over one too many times, but they compensated for it by playing good defense.
Now, Tenorio is hoping the turnovers continue to go down and the defense to keep turning up.
