Photo credit: PBA

The Magnolia Hotshots couldn’t have scripted a better start. Under the bright lights of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, they spoiled Barangay Ginebra’s night and made sure LA Tenorio’s first game as head coach was one to remember.

With energy, grit, and poise, the Hotshots rolled to an 80-73 win in the PBA Season 50 opener — and it came at the expense of Tenorio’s old mentor, Tim Cone.

“A good start for a new journey,” Tenorio said after the game, downplaying his own role and giving all the credit to his players.

“It was really hard, emotionally. I kept telling the guys this wasn’t about me and coach Tim — it was about Magnolia versus Ginebra. I’m just thankful my players and coaching staff guided me through. They were locked in from the start,” he added.

And locked in they were. Magnolia stormed out with a 17-3 opening run, setting the tone early. The young guns did the rest.

Zavier Lucero was everywhere, finishing with 17 points, seven boards, four assists, and four steals in a monster all-around performance. Jerom Lastimosa and Javi Gomez de Liano backed him up with 14 apiece, proving the Hotshots are ready to turn the page after last season’s heartbreak exit to TNT.

Lucero, fresh off his Mythical Second Team and All-Defensive honors, summed it up best:

“It feels like we’re a new team with coach LA. It’s not a championship, but it’s a great way to start the season.”

On the other side, Ginebra struggled to find its rhythm despite Stephen Holt’s double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds.

The night belonged to LA, Magnolia, and a statement that the Manila Clasico rivalry still packs the drama — and maybe some new storylines this season.