At A Glance
- The thrill and the drama are expected to go higher as the Kings and the Tropang 5G dispute a 2-1 lead in Game 3 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 commissioner's Cup Finals series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7.
TNT had the burden of adjustment after dropping Game 1. Now it’s on Ginebra's court.
The thrill and the drama are expected to go higher as the Kings and the Tropang 5G dispute a 2-1 lead in Game 3 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 commissioner’s Cup Finals series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7.
Tip-off of the clash is at 7:30 p.m. with TNT looking to ride the momentum from its 101-94 victory in Game 2.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes stressed that his charges need to be consistent with their play for the whole 48 minutes and cannot be complacent against Ginebra.
“It’s just trying to play the same game all throughout. Hopefully we can sustain a high level in 48 minutes,” said Reyes.
“Against a team like Ginebra, If you just let your guard down for 3-4 minutes, they'll get on a very quick run,” he added.
And the veteran mentor certainly knew what he’s talking about, especially after barely escaping another signature Never-Say-Die comeback from the Kings in the last game.
TNT led by as many as 19 in the final frame but Ginebra battled back behind the efforts of Kings shocktroopers Isaac Go and Jeremiah Gray as well as Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos.
Ginebra came within four, 94-98, before Calvin Oftana nailed two free throws that proved to be enough to keep TNT’s head above the water.
“Those are the things we need to talk about. How to make sure we're able to sustain that kind of energy and execution all throughout the game,” he added.
For the part of the Kings, meanwhile, head coach Tim Cone must put both RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee on better scoring positions after struggling to find their rhythm early on.
The two did finish with 24 and 21points respectively but most of it came after the kings trailed by as many as 22. It’s also a concern for Cone that his team only had three assists in the first half — something that they cannot do the same if they wish to regain control of the series.