PBA: Jayson Castro shows veteran wits as RHJ struggles in Game 1
TNT Tropang Giga guard Jayson Castro during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had his fair share of struggles in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine.
Fortunately, the Tropang Giga had someone more than capable to step up to the plate in the form of team veteran Jayson Castro.
The pesky Rain or Shine team held on until the end but Castro’s leadership kept them at bay to power TNT to an 88-84 win at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
LIVE: PBA semifinals Game 1 – TNT vs Rain or Shine, Ginebra vs NorthPort
“Rondae shot really poorly, so it was important that other guys stepped up,” said coach Chot Reyes.
“Jayson and Calvin were the ones who provided that firepower coming off the bench so it’s a good thing we won with our import struggling on his offense.”
Hollis-Jefferson scored 23 points plus 13 rebounds to match but he struggled mightily with a 29.6 percent field goal shooting clip going 8-of-27.
TNT Tropang Giga Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters. –PBA IMAGES
That didn’t seem to matter much , though, as Castro played with glimpses of his prime to the tune of 24 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds to give TNT the early edge in the best-of-seven semifinals series.
But Castro was ejected due to a flagrant foul penalty one on Andrei Caracut late in the fourth quarter and was unable to finish the game. He inadvertently kicked Caracut in the face following a botched shot attempt.
READ: PBA: Jayson Castro proves experience still rules
The 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals MVP was apologetic of his actions and said it wasn’t intentional. He also remained confident of the Tropang Giga’s chances even after his ejection.
“What happened was really an accident because his momentum was headed for the ball and of course, I was already in the air so I couldn’t control my landing so I’m really sorry to Andrei,” said Castro in Filipino.
“All of my teammates are ready so even when I was out, the trust that I have for them was still there. Our defense also made us win today,” he added.
Game 2 between TNT and Rain or Shine rolls on this Friday at Philsports Arena.
