MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo has shown steady improvement in his game in the PBA Philippine Cup, but his performance on Sunday perfectly encapsulated his return to form.

In the latest chapter of “Manila Clasico,” Malonzo hit huge shots in the clutch to push Ginebra past Magnolia, 85-81, at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

READ: PBA: Ginebra rallies to beat Magnolia in key clash

If anything, his nerves of steel were proof that the all-Filipino conference is helping him rediscover the form he had before his calf injury.

“I’m getting better with this conference. Tonight was a good step in the right direction, but I’m still learning from our vets,” said Malonzo. “It’s very important for us to be solid in crunch time. It felt good.”

Malonzo finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 26 minutes of action. The Gilas Pilipinas forward scored five of Ginebra’s last seven points to seal the win over their rivals.

From the outside looking in, it seemed Malonzo was regaining his old confidence. But according to the high-flying swingman, it never really left.

“I’m always confident. Nothing’s going to break that, but I’ll stay solid and stay confident because that’s what the team’s pretty much all about.”

The Gin Kings, now 6-3 in the standings, face TNT next Sunday in a rematch of the PBA Commissioner’s and Governors’ Cup Finals at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.