Each and everyone in Barangay Ginebra's core players stepped forward and had their shining moments in their PBA Governors Cup title rerun.
But for coach Tim Cone, LA Tenorio was the worthy winner of the Finals MVP award while Joe Devance was the unheralded hero in their Game Seven triumph.
"LA did an amazing job. LA really deserved the MVP. When he's on, we won four games. When he's off, we lost three games. It's an MVP award well deserved," said Cone of Tenorio, now a three-time Finals MVP winner.
Tenorio ubiquitously shone bright with big shots after big shots in Game Seven while Devance silently but effectively did his job to cut down Allen Durham's numbers.
In the eyes of Cone, both stood out in their title-clinching 101-96 victory over the Meralco Bolts in their PBA Governors Cup title rematch coming to a glorious end for the Kings and their mammoth cheering throng Friday at the Philippine Arena.
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"He hit big shots all game long. Just when we needed it, he made it. He's super pumped up to start the game. He was hyper and he's everywhere.
After four or five minutes, he settled down and played incredible basketball," Cone said of Tenorio's wondrous game.
Tenorio later gained the nod of the PBA Press Corps as winner of the Cignal Finals MVP plum.
Devance was as valuable in Cone's mind for his tough defensive effort against the tough Meralco import.
"Joe was unheralded hero. The defense he did on Durham for three quarters was just incredible. He followed the game plan perfectly. He's such a high IQ guy," said Cone.
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"You might think Durham was off, but give Joe some credit for really playing Durham smart off the ball and on the ball," Cone.
Apart from his defensive job against Durham, Devance also delivered key numbers with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal against two turnovers in 37 minutes of action.
Tenorio top scored with 26 markers including 5-of-8 triples.
Curiously, both were to undergo surgical procedure after their triumphant efforts.
