TNT’s Jayson Castro. PBA IMAGES
After posting 42 points in TNT’s quarterfinal victory over Phoenix, Jayson Castro knew that he’s going to be a marked man in Game 1 of its best-of-5 semifinals series against Meralco.
Though he didn’t get the same offensive explosion, Castro still found away to be just as lethal by passing the rock to his equally skilled teammates, who then delivered.
The Best Player of the Conference candidate finished with 14 points, nine assists, and four rebounds as TNT KaTropa came away with a 113-95 win for a 1-0 series lead in the semis.
“Maganda game plan nila sa akin. Ni-remind lang ako ni coach Josh (Reyes) na lahat ng defensive schemes nila naka-focus sa akin so kailangan ko kaagad bitawan or hanapin ang mga open man,” he said.
Showing time and again that he’s the best point guard in Asia, Castro worked his magic by deferring to his teammates as they broke off with a 39-point third quarter output.
“Sinabi lang ni coach na we need to move the ball and find the open man. Nag-focus ako nung second half na hanapin ang open man kasi yun ang key para manalo kami,” he said. “Kailangan ko mag-sacrifice. Willing naman ako i-sacrifice ang scoring basta manalo lang.”
Though the win further affirmed TNT’s standing as a favorite this conference, Castro said that there’s still no reason to celebrate as he braces for a tough fightback from the Bolts on Thursday.
“For sure, maga-adjust sila and kami rin kung ano mga mali namin. More on defense siguro ang magiging labanan next game. Kailangan namin talaga mag-prepare on defense,” he said.