PBA: With defense focused on him, RHJ still finds ways for TNT
TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during a PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Even in a low-scoring Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still played like his usual self to give the TNT Tropang Giga a pivotal 3-1 lead.
TNT defeated Rain or Shine, 81-79, behind another outstanding performance from their resident import Hollis-Jefferson, who admitted the affair has been everything but easy.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: PBA: RHJ delivers, TNT nears Finals after escaping Rain or Shine
“They played excellent defense on me. I’m shooting like 38 percent for this series,” said RHJ in jest.
“I have to give credit to them and how they’ve been guarding me. It’s not a cakewalk. I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m doing anything special. I’m just playing hard.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe 2023 Governors’ Cup Best Import posted another monster double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds with five assists, five steals and five blocks to match.
Helping RHJ in what could be labeled as a defensive chess match were Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana, who both scored 15 points each in the win.
READ: PBA: Playing TNT’s pace sends Rain or Shine to the brink of exit
TNT coach Chot Reyes now wants to see the same intensity in his import as the team moves within a win away from a PB Finals return.
“Our only thought is our preparation for Game 5. Rain or Shine came out with a great game plan today but I thought my players really fought hard and buckled down,” said Reyes.
“In the end, they knew what they wanted to do and we knew what we wanted to do and it all boiled down to who wanted it more,” added the veteran coach.
The Tropang Giga has a chance to close out the series on Friday at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo and expect RHJ to do what he does best: play hard.
“At the end of the day and when it comes down to it, we’ll do the X’s and O’s, they know what they want to do and we know what we want to do and I’m just playing hard,” he said.
