Phoenix sustained its fiery form and took down Barangay Ginebra, 81-77, in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the brand new Fernando Poe Jr. Arena in San Jose, Batangas on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The Fuel Masters unloaded a blistering 18-5 run that allowed them to seize control of the contest early in the final frame before surviving a familiar comeback from the Kings not only to list their fifth straight win but also proved that their surprising performance was no fluke.

Johnathan Williams dominated against Ginebra’s triple towers of Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar and Tony Bishop by finishing with 24 points and 23 rebounds.

Rookie Ken Tuffin provided support with a career-showing of 18 points spiked by four triples – none bigger than the one that stretched Phoenix's lead to eight, 80-72 with 2:40 to go.

Channeling the ‘Never-Say-Die’ mentality, hometown bet LA Tenorio drained a trey of his own before Bishop knocked down a tough step back jumper to cut the deficit down to three with 26 seconds left.

Ginebra managed to force a turnover in the next possession, giving them the chance to tie and send the game to an extra period but Bishop came up short with his three-point attempt. Williams cleared the rebound and sealed the deal with two free throws as the time expired.

Jjay Alejando chipped in 10 points while Tyler Tio added seven as they joined hands with Williams in spearheading the telling run in the final frame. The Fuel Masters were actually still down by five, 58-63, before the fiery stretch that built them a 76-68 cushion midway through the quarter.

Bishop paced the Kings with 21 points, 15 rebounds and six assists while Jamie Malonzo had his best game this season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Standhardinger was not in his usual form, finishing with only 12 points as the Kings saw their three-game win streak snapped for a 4-2 record.