The Tropang Giga used a strong third quarter to beat the Dyip.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson did pretty much everything right as the TNT Tropang Giga pummelled the Terrafirma Dyip, 133-93 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday.
Before the Tropang Giga dropped a 41-point bomb in the third quarter to break the game wide open, the former Brooklyn Nets forward kept them afloat. He ended up with 37 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
His brilliant play, of course, was expected.
That's why at least in the eyes TNT of coach Jojo Lastimosa, there was one sparingly-used Tropang Giga who also starred in the match held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“I think Henry (Galinato) stood out. I really want to find time for Henry. The guy hasn’t played in two years, I think when he went back to the (United) States. He’s just trying to find his rhythm,” Lastimosa said of the bruising rookie from the UP Fighting Maroons, who chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds.
“I’m going to give him minutes where I can. Tonight is prime example that even if the game was already decided, I just want to give him some floor time,” Lastimosa added
Traded to TNT by Rain or Shine Elasto Painters before the season started, the 15th overall pick of this year's draft showed signs he could someday hold the fort for the team.
“He will be better. He’s our future, and so are our other young guys. (I'm happy to see him play,” said the newly-minted Executive of the Year in the PBA Press Corps Awards.
Galinato will aim to get significant minutes anew when the 2-1 Tropang Giga tackle the Meralco Bolts on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
(PM)