He ignited their huge rally in the second half against the NLEX.
The TNT Tropang Giga improved to 3-3 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after pummelling the NLEX Road Warriors, 113-97, on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.
But don’t let the final score fool you, as the Jojo Lastimosa-mentored squad had to overcome the absence of Jayson Castro and a 19-point deficit at halftime before coming up with the dub.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way for TNT with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists.
But RHJ wasn’t the entire story for the Tropang Giga. Calvin Oftana also had a hand in spoiling Asi Taulava’s jersey retirement night and Robert Bolick’s NLEX debut. Dormant in the first half, the former San Beda Red Lion exploded in the game’s final 24 minutes, ultimately finishing with 29 markers, including six triples, eight boards, and four dimes.
According to the versatile forward, it was his lackluster start that fueled his scoring outburst in the second half.
“Siguro (motivation) ‘yung frustration sa sarili ko kasi nga sabi ni coach hindi ako tumitira sa first half,” Oftana said in the postgame presser.
“He (coach) talked to me, ‘Magbakaw ka diyan, wala naman magagalit sa’yo.’ Pero sabi ko sa kanya, hindi ganun ‘yung laro ko, I’m playing for my team, kung anong binibigay ng depensa sa’kin, ‘yun ‘yung ginagawa ko,” he elaborated.
Still, Lastimosa made sure to remind Oftana that he now has bigger responsibilities on the offensive end. And his vision for the fast-rising star would make other gunners envious.
“We don’t have Roger (Pogoy), we don’t have Mikey (Williams), we don’t have Jayson tonight, and sometimes, being the lone scorer, you have to force your shots,” the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup champion coach explained.
“Dapat ‘yun ang maging mantra all the time, na hindi naman puwedeng maghahanap ka lang ng tira mo na libreng libre ka. That’s one thing he needs to figure out, being our go-to-guy now,” he stressed.
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TNT will soon find out how well-adjusted Oftana will be with his main man role when they take on the Blackwater Bossing this Friday.
(PM)