WATCH: Zavier Lucero Highlights [Magnolia vs Terrafirma | Sep. 12, 2024]

Despite facing considerable struggles in his first game back, Shabazz Muhammad emerged as the hero for Magnolia, delivering a clutch floater that secured a narrow 99-98 victory against the upset-minded Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, September 12.

With the Hotshots on the brink of disaster, trailing by four points in the final two minutes, Zavier Lucero and Paul Lee stepped up impressively, paving the way for their stellar import to dodge the upset axe wielded by the Dyip.

Muhammad’s return to the PBA was not the triumphant comeback he had envisioned after a brief yet impactful stint with San Miguel two years prior; he finished with 20 points, a modest tally for his standards. Yet he ultimately sealed the game with a decisive play, hitting a difficult floater over the outstretched arms of Andreas Cahilig to give Magnolia a 99-98 lead with just seven seconds remaining.

As the Hotshots tightened their defensive grip during the Dyip’s final possession, they ensured that their opponents could not find a clear shot, thwarting Stanley Pringle and Kevin Ferrer’s last-ditch attempts.

Muhammad’s heroics were made possible by crucial contributions from Lucero, who netted 17 points, and Lee, who, despite scoring only nine, delivered a vital four-point play late in the game.

Trailing 91-95, Lucero executed a much-needed inside move that helped revive Magnolia after a dry spell on offense. Following a solid defensive stand, Lee then answered the call with a thunderous four-pointer, propelling the Hotshots back into the lead at 97-95, only to be met by a daring step-back three-pointer from rookie Paolo Hernandez, briefly giving the Dyip a slim one-point edge.

However, this set the stage for Muhammad’s game-winning moment, as the Dyip failed to adequately contain the experienced NBA veteran during the critical possession.