MANILA, Philippines—Terrence Jones has been balling out in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup that San Miguel tried to throw in several defensive tactics just to throw off the import in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
Christian Standhardinger, Kelly Nabong, Arwind Santos, and Chris Ross all tried their luck against Jones but it was all for naught as TNT grabbed the opener 109-96 Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jones said he’s used to a little roughhousing here and there and that he’s not going to let anyone get under his skin no matter what they do.
“I’m used to it, but you know, this is the championship, so I’m definitely emotional as well,” said Jones who finished with 41 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks.
“I want to win, so I’m not about to let anybody punk me. I’m just trying to stay calm and stay poised to make sure I stay in the game for my team.”
Jones’ first went at it with Standhardinger at the start of the game and for a brief time Nabong, both of whom he scored on and had a little bit of trash talk with.
Then it was Santos who Jones had a scuffle with resulting in the two men falling to the floor while getting tangled up.
Jones’ response to these antics was 26 first half points, four of which came off thundering dunks.
Ross had his heated exchange with Jones with 1:03 left in the third quarter, and TNT holding a comfortable 85-69 lead.
Jones was called with an offensive foul after his right elbow inadvertently connected with Ross’ nose leading to the players confronting each other near center court.
“They [the referees] called an offensive foul and I guess he [Ross] felt I was on him or something,” said Jones who averaged 30.2 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists prior to Game 1.
Jones, whose team was called with a technical after that late scuffle, was adamant that he didn’t hit Ross on purpose and that he even tried to help his opponent get up.
“I tried to help him up to let him know that it wasn’t intentional, but he didn’t want my help,” said Jones. “It’s the playoffs, I don’t really care, so we’ll just play next game.”