NLEX star Kiefer Ravena had one man to thank on the opposing side of the bench for giving him a belated birthday gift.
After Ravena helped the Road Warriors clinch a 109-98 win against the Tropang Giga Thursday night, the 6-footer guard took to social media to extend gratitude to his father Bong, the head coach of TNT.
More than being a father, Kiefer considered Bong as his "first ever coach" and "number one critic."
"Always a pleasure playing against my first ever coach!" wrote the younger Ravena on Instagram after the game.
Despite the tension-filled bubble, it turned out to be healthy competition for the Ravenas as Kiefer posted 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal to help NLEX hand TNT its first loss in the bubble in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Ravena also proved to be instrumental in the waning seconds of the payoff period, sinking a clutch three-pointer with 50 ticks left to pull away an eight-point lead 104-96.
"Motivated to play well in front of him and 'til this day, he's my number 1 critic. Love ya pa! Thanks for the belated gift," added Ravena, who just turned 27 years old Tuesday, accompanied with two peace gesture emojis.
NLEX remained at the bottom half of the standings with a 2-5 record while TNT stayed atop at 5-1 slate.
Meanwhile, the PBA put the games on hold starting Friday (October 30) in compliance with the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Health.
While waiting for new protocols, the league also suspended team practices at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center but activities at Quest Hotel in Mimosa can proceed.