As the popular adage goes, “The third fourth time’s the charm!”

It’s still too early to be certain, but after shuffling through three imports over the past five weeks, the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots must be relieved following the debut of their new reinforcement Jabari Bird.

The 6’6″ Bird, a former Boston Celtic from the 2017-18 NBA season, made an immediate impression, leading Magnolia to a dominant 121-69 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 2 of the 2024 PBA Governor’s Cup quarterfinals. With the win, the Hotshots tied the series at 1-1, and Bird’s strong play has surely boosted optimism for their chances of advancing.

Bird, whose father played in the PBA back in 1976, recorded 22 points on 15 shots, 13 rebounds, and two assists in Magnolia’s 52-point victory. He also led the team with a +32 plus-minus. Displaying a wide array of moves, Bird used a mix of dazzling footwork and nifty ball handling to create space for his mid-range jumpers–quite similar to the TNT Tropang Giga’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

The aggressiveness of Bird when off the ball was equally impressive, especially on a team like the Hotshots that has several playmakers, as his movement opened him up for several opportunities to score off offensive rebounds and drop passes. He played strong defense too in his first match which drew praise from Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero in the post-game press conference.

The impact of Bird was further magnified by the early exit of Rain or Shine import Aaron Fuller who was poked in the eye late in the first quarter and did not return for the rest of the contest. If Fuller, who has been the cornerstone of the Elasto Painters’ breakout campaign, cannot suit up for Game 3, the momentum of this series will shift even more dramatically in the Hotshots’ favor.

Bird’s blend of size, quickness, and skill makes him a challenging matchup, and if the breaks are in his favor, he has the potential to build a long and successful career in the PBA. His presence enables coach Victolero to confidently utilize a five-out lineup, as seen in Game 2, with Bird, Zavier Lucero, and Calvin Abueva anchoring the frontcourt. This strategy not only opens the floor for Paul Lee to penetrate, but also strengthens Magnolia’s bench, allowing Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca to run their efficient two-man game while the starters rest.

What seemed like a doomed conference just a week ago is now looking much brighter for the Hotshots. Bird’s shot-making and defensive presence fill the exact gaps that this team needed. Things are looking up for Magnolia, and the hope is that with Bird–their fourth import of the conference–they have finally found the right guy.