Only one between TNT and NLEX will come out unscathed at the end of the showdown between two unbeaten squads in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
The Tropang Giga and the Road Warriors both eye a share of the early lead with Converge FiberXers in their 5:45 p.m. affair while a collision between the Blackwater Bossing and the San Miguel Beermen serves as an appetizer in the first game at 3 p.m.
Both sporting 2-0 records, NLEX and TNT look to sustain their hot starts spearheaded by their respective prolific imports.
Jonathon Simmons was nothing short of impressive as he flaunted his NBA-caliber talent in his first two games with NLEX averaging 32.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and six assists.
The former San Antonio Spurs guard also took over late in the Road Warriors' 121-112 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier – something that he is eager to replicate in his penultimate game against the Tropang Giga as he hopes to leave NLEX with a perfect 4-0 record before flying back to China.
Not to be outplayed, though, is TNT import Jalen Hudson who has also impressed with his first two games, looking like an import tailor-fit to the system of new head coach Jojo Lastimos with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 4.5 assists per outing.
With the two imports expected to virtually cancel each other out, their respective supporting cast will certainly play the difference in the marquee duel.
The Road Warriors, time and again, have leaned on the services of stars Kevin Alas and Don Trollano but will also need some hand from the likes of Matt Nieto and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser if they wish to hold their ground against TNT’s potent lineup.
Mikey Williams, RR Pogoy and Jayson Castro are the usual scoring threats for the Tropang Giga while Justin Chua and Kelly Williams have been solid for them inside the paint.
Meanwhile in the curtain-raiser, SMB looks to follow up its rousing 114-93 over Phoenix last Sunday against Blackwater.
The Beermen looked good in their first game under new coach Jorge Gallent with six players scoring in twin digits led by import Cameron Clark and MVP frontrunner June Mar Fajardo along with streaky gunners Marcio Lassiter, Simon Enciso and new addition Allyn Bulanadi.
However, those were not enough to intimidate a Bossing side which is riding the crest of its 108-105 escape also at Phoenix's expense. Blackwater is nearing its full strength with its lineup with Troy Rosario now the only player in the sickbay following the return of Baser Amer and Jvee Casio.