Tropang Giga look to stop red-hot Kings
Published Apr 12, 2023 03:31 am
After getting whipped by Barangay Ginebra in the series opener, TNT looks to rediscover its touch and try to even the count in Game 2 of their best-of-seven finals series on Wednesday, April 12.
*RR Pogoy looks to bounce back in Game 2 after a dismal performance in the series opener (PBA Images)*
Back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where they suffered a 102-90 beating against the defending champions, the Tropang Giga now aim to get back at the Kings in the 5:45 p.m. encounter. In order to do so, it’s imperative for TNT to control the pace to get into a better offensive rhythm as compared to Game 1 where they shot poorly from the field, particularly from the three-point territory. The first step is to control the boards according to TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. “We got to rebound better. They have probably around 20 offensive rebounds. That's their strength but I feel like if we can control that then it helps where we thrive, pushing the pace, things like that so I say we should do better in rebounding. They’re also playing better individual defense,” said Hollis-Jefferson who was one of the few bright spots for TNT in the loss. That, however, also leaves another question to answer for TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa as the thin frontline rotation of TNT left a gaping hole in the middle of its defense – a big part why the Tropa got outrebounded by the Kings in Game 1. The rookie coach also couldn’t afford Erram to also foul out in Game 2, urging him to keep his head on the game especially with the unavailability of Justin Chua while Kelly Williams remains questionable. “Poy’s got to do a better job of controlling his emotions. We talked about it as a staff and I already talked about it and I was actually pissed at him and his teammates were actually getting on him because he’s beginning to be a distraction when he complains too much. And we need Poy. We need him, we need his head to be in the game.,” Lastimosa said. Also expected to bounce back are RR Pogoy and Jayson Castro who were both sorely missed by the TNT’s offense that had to rely heavily on Calvin Oftana and Mikey Williams for the locals’ scoring. Their defense also should be on point as they try to prevent Ginebra from going for another hot start anchored on Justin Brownlee and Jamie Malonzo. Containing Scottie Thompson should also be a must for the Tropang Giga after the reigning MVP led the Kings’ assault with his eighth career triple-double last time out.
*RR Pogoy looks to bounce back in Game 2 after a dismal performance in the series opener (PBA Images)*
Back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where they suffered a 102-90 beating against the defending champions, the Tropang Giga now aim to get back at the Kings in the 5:45 p.m. encounter. In order to do so, it’s imperative for TNT to control the pace to get into a better offensive rhythm as compared to Game 1 where they shot poorly from the field, particularly from the three-point territory. The first step is to control the boards according to TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. “We got to rebound better. They have probably around 20 offensive rebounds. That's their strength but I feel like if we can control that then it helps where we thrive, pushing the pace, things like that so I say we should do better in rebounding. They’re also playing better individual defense,” said Hollis-Jefferson who was one of the few bright spots for TNT in the loss. That, however, also leaves another question to answer for TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa as the thin frontline rotation of TNT left a gaping hole in the middle of its defense – a big part why the Tropa got outrebounded by the Kings in Game 1. The rookie coach also couldn’t afford Erram to also foul out in Game 2, urging him to keep his head on the game especially with the unavailability of Justin Chua while Kelly Williams remains questionable. “Poy’s got to do a better job of controlling his emotions. We talked about it as a staff and I already talked about it and I was actually pissed at him and his teammates were actually getting on him because he’s beginning to be a distraction when he complains too much. And we need Poy. We need him, we need his head to be in the game.,” Lastimosa said. Also expected to bounce back are RR Pogoy and Jayson Castro who were both sorely missed by the TNT’s offense that had to rely heavily on Calvin Oftana and Mikey Williams for the locals’ scoring. Their defense also should be on point as they try to prevent Ginebra from going for another hot start anchored on Justin Brownlee and Jamie Malonzo. Containing Scottie Thompson should also be a must for the Tropang Giga after the reigning MVP led the Kings’ assault with his eighth career triple-double last time out.