TNT's Kim Aurin in action against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup, August 1, 2028 at the Mall of Asia Arena. PBA Media
MANILA — Even a fever could not stop Kim Aurin from playing his best game and helping the TNT Tropang 5G escape the San Miguel Beermen in overtime at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The 29-year-old logged a career-high 22 points, highlighted by a late three-pointer and a free throw that put the Beermen away for good in the final stretch.
Aurin nailed six triples—half of which came in overtime—along with eight rebounds and a steal in 47 minutes of action.
READ: Aurin, Hollis-Jefferson lift TNT past San Miguel in overtime
The former Perpetual Help guard did everything for the Tropang 5G while battling a fever, which he said he already felt the night before.
"Actually, kahapon pa talaga masama pakiramdam ko. And then paggising ko kanina, parang ta-trangkasuhin na talaga ako," he said during the post-game press conference.
Aurin shared he even called TNT team captain Roger Pogoy for advice since he was already feeling under the weather.
"Ayun nga, tinawagan ko pa si Roger kanina. Kasi ano, masama talaga pakiramdam ko. May nakita akong Bible verse, nakalagay doon sa Isaiah 40:31, 'Those who hope in the Lord, they will renew their strength.' Ayun, pinanghawakan ko lang yun," he said.
"Ayun, buti na lang dininig ni Lord yung dasal ko. And yun, buti nagawa namin trabaho namin ngayong gabi," Aurin added.
The former NCAA standout held on to his faith and the trust his team puts in him, resulting in his prayers being answered with a win.
"Sa overtime, yes, nakuha ko talaga yung kumpiyansa ko dun. And lagi namang sinasabihan ng mga veteran talaga na itira ko lang pag pinasahan ako sa corner," Aurin said.
"And ayun, kami-kami na lang din kasi. Kaya matira matibay na lang din talaga. Saka ano, nag-focus kami sa defense. And ayun, ang ganda ng defense namin, simula first hanggang sa huli," he explained.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes was all praise for Aurin's performance despite not being 100 percent, reminding his players to stay positive throughout the contest.
"Gaya nga ng sabi ni Kim, if you're open, just shoot it. Let it fly. My belief is that all you can do is execute. All you can do is execute. And then the outcome, it can either go in or not go in. So thankfully for us tonight, those shots went in," Reyes said.
Following his answered prayers and career-high outing, Aurin remains hopeful the team can power through despite the absence of several key players.
Up next for TNT are the NLEX Road Warriors on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.