TNT recovered from a two-game slide via a 92-90 win over Meralco for an even 3-3 mark in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Prior to today's win against Meralco in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, TNT suffered back-to-back losses, the last of which against NorthPort last Friday, April 5.
The Tropang Giga fell behind early and could not reverse their fortune from there to absorb a 96-112 beatdown against the Batang Pier.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes did not look far when asked about what went wrong in the match as he quickly took the blame.
“Honestly, the last game was, really, I thought was very bad preparation on my end. We had a very short post-game in the dugout. I just said that (loss) was mine,” Reyes said after his team rebounded with a 92-90 win over the Bolts that pushed them to a 3-3 mark for a share of fifth on Sunday, April 7.
“The matchups were all wrong. The preparation was all wrong. NorthPort took advantage. Yes, [there's] a lot to be said about the energy and effort of our players, but I think it starts from the coach.”
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: NorthPort sinks TNT for fourth-straight W]
That defeat also allowed Reyes to introspect and make a frank assessment after the team's shaky start in the ongoing All-Filipino conference: They cannot win on talent alone.
“We are no longer the mighty TNT. I think the sooner we accept that, the better it’s going to be for us,” said the veteran tactician.
“We cannot win games on talent or just showing up. We really have to outwork and outhustle every team we play."
While there are questions about the players’ energy and efforts the last couple of games, Reyes reiterated everything starts with the coaching staff.
“We, as coaches, have to do a better job preparing and coaching the team. It starts with me,” he said.
The Tropang Giga looks to make it two in a row on the road against NLEX at Candon, Ilocos Sur on Saturday, April 13.