PBA Finals: RR Pogoy the defender a big reason why TNT is leading

RR Pogoy in action during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

RR Pogoy’s production for TNT in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra has taken a slight dip. But he will be the first to tell everyone that it’s by design.

The TNT gunner, best known for his marksmanship and crafty ways getting to the basket, is averaging only 10.5 points a night, sliding from the 13.71 that had him running second behind sweet-shooting import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the 19 games prior to the best-of-seven series finalé.

“This has really become my role,” Pogoy told reporters shortly in Filipino after the 96-84 Game 2 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday that gave the defending champions a 2-0 cushion.

READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra clamps down on TNT to take Game 3

“I’ll keep on defending,” he went on. “And whoever’s hot, whoever’s great over at the other team, I’ll pick him up.”

Pogoy has been pouring it on defense, helping TNT muzzle out the Gin Kings’ top guns, including Justin Brownlee.

Ginebra came into the Finals as the best three-point shooting squad with 186 triples in the 19 matches before this yo-or-me with TNT.

Brownlee has struggled to solve the TNT defense and, surprise, has yet to hit a triple in this series.

READ: PBA Finals: TNT has Ginebra ‘figured out,’ says Justin Brownlee

Pogoy has been setting the tone for efficiency for TNT at +34. But he refuses to take credit for the early success his team is enjoying now. Instead, the 32-year-old underscored that it’s actually team effort that has brought them this far.

“It’s team effort. And perhaps, they (Kings) have been unlucky as well,” he said of their foes, who won the defense-oriented Game 3, 85-73, on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum to cut TNT’s lead to 2-1.

As Pogoy spoke with appreciation for his team’s efforts, he later on reached for caution. He knew that it was just a matter of time before Brownlee overcame his shooting woes.

“We all know Justin. Even at the world stage, he eats up defenses,” he said. “So we just have to stay focused.” INQ