The Hotshots finally barge into the win column.
After three tough losses to start the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots finally get their first win.
Coach Chito Victolero says a big factor in their 108-95 win over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters is their new import in Antonio Hester, whom he described as a “game changer.”
Hester finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
“We don't have any post threat, and that's why we got this guy [Hester] to open up the floor and to have a chance on our guards to get their shots,” said Victolero. “Although we lost on our last three games, but we played well. We just need a game changer like Hes here so that we can turn around things and I hope on our next succeeding games, he can help us on our games.”
Hester had only three days of practice with the Hotshots before suiting up against the Fuel Masters, but clearly the comebacking import and his new team had no issues gelling together.
“I feel like I've been here longer than three days already. They welcomed me with open arms and I'm just thankful to be here and these guys are great,” said Hester.
Magnolia limited Phoenix import Du'Vaughn Maxwell to just 11 points—a welcome sight for the facet of the game where Victolero and Magnolia takes pride on, defense.
“That's our identity. We need to play defense in order for us to win and for the last three games, 'yung mga talo namin, we allowed 100 plus points on our opponents, so that's not us. Usually we allow teams 90 points and under, so we need to go back to that identity,” said Victolero.
And perhaps, they also need to thank their new reinforcement for their defensive renaissance.
"'Yung aming depensa nag-improve din eh with Hester, nag-improve 'yung depensa namin because nagagawa namin ngayon na full court, nagagawa namin 'yung ginagawa naming system."
Magnolia will look to continue their winning ways on Manila Clasico Sunday, when they will take on franchise rival Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.