PBA Finals: Tim Cone still wary of embattled Poy Erram ahead of Game 2

TNT center Poy Erram reacts during Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at Araneta Coliseum. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines-Coach Tim Cone believes embattled TNT center Poy Erram is still among the players to look out for despite losing his composure in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

Erram notoriously fouled out in the fourth quarter of the Tropang Giga’s 102-90 loss at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Easter Sunday by pinching Christian Standhardinger, a moment that didn’t sit well with his coach Jojo Lastimosa.

But Cone would rather see Erram in a different light going into the Gin Kings’ bid to claim a 2-0 lead in the series.

“Poy’s a really important part of what they do because he is a guy that protects the rim,” Cone said of the one-time Defensive Player of the Year.

“He has the size to play Christian [Standhardinger] and he can also go to the help on Justin [Brownlee]. He’s an important part of what they do,” added Cone.

TNT is hoping Erram can show better composure this time, with Kelly Williams still unsure if he can get back in the series due to his calf injury and Justin Chua hurting his knee early in Game 1.

That leaves the Tropang Giga with a smaller unit, which the Gin Kings see as both an advantage and a disadvantage.

“They have to go small against us and that causes problems for us in terms of matchup. But it also causes problems for them as well,” said Cone.

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