San Miguel's Simon Enciso inspired by dad's attendance in Game 5

San Miguel's veteran guard Simon Enciso made sure to make the most out of his rare starting nod in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Sunday night in front of an audience that included his father, who had not seen him play for a decade.

The 5-foot-11 playmaker, who turned 32 today, said having his dad watch him compete live made their 108-98 win over the Magnolia Hotshots extra special as it also pushed the Beermen on the cusp of winning the title.

"It’s just when I hit the first shot, especially my dad’s here. So my dad hasn’t seen me play since I was in the PBA D-League 10 years ago. So, to have him out here and perform like that, it’s a dream come true," Enciso said.

He delivered for the Beermen as he hit five of his nine triple attempts on the way to finishing with 15 points alongside five rebounds and three assists. His big night supported that of a scorching-hot Jericho Cruz, who churned out 30 points built on eight three-pointers.

The eruption from the SMB backcourt was crucial as it allowed them to arrest a two-game losing skid that saw the Hotshots level the series to two games apiece.

But Enciso refused to take the credit to himself alone, saying everyone on their squad was ready to take step on the court whenever head coach Jorge Gallent calls up their name.

"Everybody on our team is good. Beginning on the bench all the way down, we can all play. It’s just a matter of staying ready and the next man up mentality."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News