TNT and Magnolia make their Governors’ Cup debut against separate foes in front of comebacking fans. —PBA IMAGES
The first clash between TNT and Magnolia ever since that classic PBA Philippine Cup Finals last year, will highlight the first day of the Governors’ Cup restart on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
After chopping down powerhouses San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra to get to the best-of-seven series, the Tropang Giga took care of the Hotshots in five games as Chot Reyes marked a successful return to coaching.
They collide in the 6 p.m. game after sister squads Meralco and NLEX battle in the 3 p.m. contest
TNT plays four games in the next week as its nucleus will form the core of the Gilas Pilipinas crew that will play in the Fiba World Cup window later this month, with games against South Korea, India and New Zealand slated.
LOOK: Meralco faces NLEX, Magnolia clashes with TNT as the PBA returns on Friday at Araneta Coliseum. | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/K3L1yrZHcC
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 7, 2022
Incidentally, Magnolia and Meralco are the only teams left undefeated in the 12-team field even as four new imports see action in the first week of the resumption as the Beermen, NorthPort, Blackwater and Phoenix have decided to ditch their original choices and make a run at the leaders.
Orlando Johnson, an NBA vet, will be suiting up for San Miguel, with Jamel Artis reinforcing the Batang Pier; Shawn Glover seeing action for the cellar-dwelling Bossing and ex-San Beda standout in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Donbald Tankoua taking the place of the injured Paul Harris for the Fuel Masters.
Johnson will be making his second appearance in the league, having helped Barangay Ginebra to the playoffs of the 2015 version. He replaces Brandon Brown at San Miguel after the Beermen went just 3-2 before stoppage of play after the holidays.
NorthPort is winless in four games, with Cameron Forte being able to suit up in only two of those games, paving the way for the entry of Artis.