PBA: Chot will make sure TNT stays sharp during break

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals game against NLEX Road Warriors. –PBA IMAGES

TNT wants to make sure that the long break would serve its purpose while it awaits for either Rain or Shine or Magnolia to emerge as its opponent in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.

The Tropang Giga finished off the NLEX Road Warriors, 125-96, on Tuesday in Game 4 of the best-of-five quarterfinals at Ninoy Aquino Stadium to become the second team to move into the Final Four, following Barangay Ginebra, which swept the Meralco Bolts the previous day.

Coach Chot Reyes and company also got the luxury of a weeklong break after Magnolia forced a Game 5 against Rain or Shine with a 129-100 rout, with the decider set for Saturday in Antipolo City.

“Any chance for us to rest, especially at this stage, is crucial,” Reyes said. “It will be valuable for us if we make good use of it.”

After two tight games to open the series including a Game 2 loss, TNT showed why it claimed top spot in Group A with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac, among others, playing key roles in the double-digit wins in the last two matches of the series.

History

Reyes hopes that the break won’t disrupt their form against either of the ElastoPainters or Hotshots, who are no pushovers.

Rain or Shine topped Group B with a balanced attack anchored by import Aaron Fuller as coach Yeng Guiao has emphasized on having different players producing.

The E-Painters also have recent history with the Tropang Giga, who they beat in the quarterfinals of last season’s Philippine Cup.

On the flip side, the dynamics are expected to be different if Magnolia earns the right to take on TNT in the best-of-seven semis.

TNT beat Magnolia in both of their group stage meetings, albeit with different imports as the latter had Glenn Robinson III in the first and Shabazz Muhammad in the return date.

But the Hotshots have found the right man in Jabari Bird, whose offensive abilities primarily have been instrumental in getting two wins out of three since his arrival.

“The rest will always have that give-and-take between resting and being fresh, and just losing your edge,” the TNT mentor said. “So we have to make a good determination on the quality of our preparation.”

Ginebra, likewise, will have a long prep for the semis, after San Miguel Beer was pushed to a Game 4 by Converge in their series.

Sweep averted

Converge prevented a sweep after Alec Stockton’s game-winner completed a 27-point comeback for a 114-112 win on Monday.

Game 4 is set for Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the Beermen expected to be on their toes.

San Miguel, at press time, however, was playing its East Asia Super League (EASL) opener against South Korea’s Suwon KT Sonicboom at Mall of Asia Arena.

Due to the EASL, the PBA opted to have a two-day break from the playoffs.