Simon Enciso joints SMB three-point party on eve of 33rd birthday

Simon Enciso joints SMB three-point party on eve of 33rd birthday

THRUST into a starting role in Game Five, Simon Enciso didn’t disappointment as he helped lead San Miguel to a 108-98 Game Five win and a 3-2 series lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Enciso scored 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from threes on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Before Jericho Cruz lit up with eight from the outside, Enciso sparked the three-point spree that broke a 3-3 deadlock.

READ Jericho Cruz-led bench mob leads SMB to crucial Game 5 win over Magnolia

Enciso actually had a lot to play for in Game Five. Aside from being tasked to step up as a starter, Enciso was also extra motivated to perform well as his father Leander was in the stands to watch him play in the PBA for the very first time.

Enciso will also celebrate his 33rd birthday on Monday.

“My dad is here. My dad hasn’t seen me play since I was in the PBA D-League 10 years ago,” said Enciso. “To have him out here and to perform like that is a dream come true.”

simo enciso jericho cruz

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

“Shoutout to my dad. Hopefully, I could fly out my mom, my sister, and my nephews. That would make my dream come true for real, just to have my family come out here and see me play … For my dad to come here, it’s a blessing.”

Enciso actually played his best game as well since coming back from an injury. He has been playing limited minutes since recovering, and only played in Games One and Three of the finals.

“Just staying ready,” said Enciso. “I’m coming off an injury. Coach may not want to ruin the chemistry that had us won 11 games straight. Just a matter of staying ready. I’ve been here before. Always working in the gym, stay ready when my name is called. That’s what I did. Luckily, all the hardwork paid off.”

Enciso said the locals took it upon themselves to step up from three-point range especially with Bennie Boatwright struggling from the outside.

“Everybody on our team is good. We all can play. It’s just a mindset of staying ready and next man up. Terrence goes down with injury, C-Ross had a little injury in the last game, it’s just next man mentality to step up and help the team no matter what happens.

“I’m just happy that I can be there for my teammates and have a good game like this to get us back into the right direction,” said Enciso.

“To ease that away from him (Boatwright), we have to hit shots. We all knew it. We just have to come here with a mindset of making shots. Luckily, especially Jericho Cruz, big shots,” said Enciso.