Barangay Ginebra may have started its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign with a loss, but it also discovered that its emergency import is more than capable of carrying the offensive load.
Making his first appearance in the league, Riley Grigsby wasted little time proving he belonged, erupting for 42 points and 13 rebounds in an impressive debut despite Ginebra’s 81-78 setback to the unbeaten Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday.
Tasked with replacing longtime resident import Justin Brownlee on short notice, Grigsby embraced the spotlight that naturally comes with wearing a Ginebra jersey.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the expectations surrounding the league’s most popular franchise, the former NBA G League standout treated the opportunity like any other basketball game.
“I wouldn’t say there’s pressure. Obviously, I knew what I was coming into. Everyone talks about Ginebra. I knew people who played for Ginebra in the past and they told me this is a historic organization,” he said.
“It’s basketball at the end of the day. I just said I’ll come here and play my game and that’s what I try to do.”
Grigsby’s performance gave Ginebra exactly what it hoped for after turning to him while Brownlee continues to recover from multiple injuries, including a lingering right hamstring strain and issues with his left knee.
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The 26-year-old import, who most recently suited up for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League, consistently found ways to score and keep the Gin Kings within striking distance throughout the contest.
Unfortunately for Ginebra, the offensive support never arrived.
Jeremiah Grey was the only other Gin King to score more than eight points, finishing with nine despite shooting just 3-of-14 from the field.
As a team, Ginebra struggled to convert its opportunities, managing only 32.6 percent shooting, allowing Phoenix’s balanced attack to escape with the victory.
The Fuel Masters leaned on five players who scored at least nine points, with import BJ Johnson leading the way with 23 markers to preserve the team’s unbeaten start.
While the result spoiled Grigsby’s first night in the PBA, his explosive debut provided an encouraging sign for Ginebra as it navigates the conference without Brownlee.
If his opening performance is any indication, the Gin Kings have found an import capable of keeping them competitive while waiting for their longtime franchise reinforcement to return.
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