MANILA, Philippines—Terrence Jones has been spearheading TNT in its romp of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at a breakneck pace, tying records in sensational fashion.
The prolific import’s latest masterpiece was another all-around show, posting 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists in the KaTropa’s 115-97 win over Blackwater Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win gave TNT a league-best 9-1 record to clinch the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs while Jones, himself, tied the franchise’s triple-double record for an import with three.
Jones, however, doesn’t want to put too much into his statistical wonder as all he cares about is leading the KaTropa to victories.
“I’m not worried about that,” said Jones of his record that tied former Mobiline import Silas Mills’ feat in the 1998 Governors’ Cup. “I’m just happy we’re winning games and we’re looking like we’re building our chemistry for the playoffs.”
TNT’s chemistry was also in full display against the Elite with the KaTropa tallying 32 assists, more than double of Blackwater’s 15, en route to their seventh straight win.
Jones, who also tied Elijah Millsap’s record of three triple-doubles for Petron in 2013, said that he won’t be getting his absurd numbers if not for his teammates who aren’t just playing well, but doing so with great camaraderie with each other.
“I give the credit to my teammates, I tell them to shoot the ball and they’re making shots,” said Jones. “A lot of these teams are trying to double team me and I just want them to be ready and have confidence.”
TNT went 43-of-91 from the field and 19-of-47 from beyond the arc.
This torrid shooting is due to, what Jones said, as the team just having the time of their lives on the floor.
“I think that’s how we’re playing now and everybody’s having fun and enjoying each other,” said Jones. “I hope you guys see that while we’re playing, we’re smiling and enjoying one another when anybody scores. It’s just like a family atmosphere.”