Richard Dean
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:43 am GMT
TNT Tropang Giga continues to shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, showcasing their offensive might in a decisive 108-91 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. With this win, TNT has taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, while Rain or Shine struggles to find a solution.
Offensive Explosion in the Third Quarter
The pivotal moment in the game came during the third quarter, where TNT outscored Rain or Shine 38-21. This tremendous offensive effort catapulted the team from a slim three-point lead to a robust 20-point advantage, ending the quarter at 85-65.
- Calvin Oftana emerged as a key player, scoring 13 of his 18 points during this crucial stretch.
- Rey Nambatac contributed significantly as well, tallying 11 of his 17 points in the same burst.
“It’s nice to be up 2-0, but it takes four [wins] to get to the next stage,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes during the post-game press conference. The momentum shift was crucial, effectively setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Performance Highlights
Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson spearheaded TNT’s scoring with 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Oftana’s performance stood out as he matched his career high with 14 rebounds, achieving a double-double that highlighted his contributions on both ends of the court.
In contrast, Rain or Shine faced difficulties, with Jhonard Clarito leading their scoring with 18 points. Aaron Fuller, a standout in the previous game, managed only 13 points and struggled on the boards, recording just six rebounds after dominating with 21 in the series opener.
The Upcoming Game
The action doesn’t slow down, with Game 3 set to take place on Sunday in Dasmarinas, Cavite. Rain or Shine must regroup quickly to find a way to break through TNT’s defensive setup and regain control of the series.
Ginebra Edges Out San Miguel in OT Thriller
In a separate semifinal series, Barangay Ginebra also made headlines by overcoming San Miguel Beer in an intense overtime thriller. This victory tied the series and was marked by strategic play.
Ginebra’s head coach Tim Cone has been vocal about his opinions on the newly implemented four-point shot. Although his team utilized it effectively during their win, he remains cautious about its impact on the game overall.
“We have evolved into shooting, taking quick shots, taking four-point shots, and people come in practice and all they do is shoot threes and shoot fours,” Cone said after the first game. He emphasized that the game consists of much more than just long-range shooting.
Despite the four-point zone being introduced this season, Cone insists that traditional basketball fundamentals remain critical to success on the court.
Key Takeaways
As these semifinal matchups unfold, both series display the intense competitiveness of the PBA. Some key points to watch include:
- TNT’s potent offense led by Hollis-Jefferson and his supporting cast.
- Rain or Shine’s need to adapt and respond quickly to avoid falling deeper in the series.
- Ginebra’s strategic approach as they contend with San Miguel while managing opinions around the four-point shot.
Conclusion
With excitement building for Game 3, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if TNT can maintain their momentum or if Rain or Shine will rebalance the scales. Meanwhile, Ginebra looks to continue their winning streak and further complicate the semifinals. As the playoffs progress, every game becomes crucial for each team’s championship aspirations.
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