November 25, 2024

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets real on difference-maker in Game 5 for TNT, Ginebra

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets real on difference-maker in Game 5 for TNT, Ginebra
TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson goes up a shot over Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar in Game 4 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

The PBA Governors’ Cup Finals are now tied at two games apiece, with Game 5 set on Wednesday, November 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

After coming out the gates hot, the TNT Tropang Giga now find themselves having lost their momentum to Barangay Ginebra.

But not all is lost just yet for TNT, especially with newly-crowned Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson leading the way for the defending champs.

In a pivotal Game 5, Hollis-Jefferson knows exactly what it will take for the Tropang Giga to go up 3-2 in the series.

“We're two teams who are familiar with each other. Now, we're going into Game 5. We both watched a lot of film and just trying to find different ways to have the advantage but now we're at a point where it's about willpower, having that will and that desire to win kind of like eating at you and just kind of bringing out the best of you,” Hollis-Jefferson said in an interview with One News’ Play by Play.

“I feel like the team that brings the most will come out victorious.”

In Game 4, Hollis-Jefferson was awarded his second Best Import award in the Govenors’ Cup after averaging 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, along with league-bests 2.9 steals and 1.9 blocks.

[ALSO READ: Brownlee tips hat off to newly minted Best Import RHJ: 'Talented dude, well-deserved']

Despite winning the award, the do-it-all reinforcement remains laser focused on TNT’s ultimate goal: to win a championship.

“I think it's an honor to be able to win the award. Obviously, that's not something I'm gonna hang my hat on because I want to win a championship, I want to help my teammates win but it's definitely an honor to be able to win the award,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

[ALSO READ: PBA: After receiving Best Import plum, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson says he’s more concerned about winning]

After a 16,783-strong gate attendance in Game 4, more fans are expected to come for the crucial Game 5. Though the crowd is seemingly in Ginebra’s favor, Hollis-Jefferson is savoring every moment of it. 

Last year, the Tropang Giga came out with the win--also against the Gin Kings in Game 5 of 2023 PBA Governors' Cup--going on to win the series 4-2.

“This year, I feel like it's just an amazing feeling to have that much energy flowing through the arena,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “I'm sure it's exciting for fans, I'm sure it's exciting for the players as well, but I think for the most part, for me, it's just another day playing basketball.”

“Whether it's 10 people in the gym or 10,000, I'm gonna play hard no matter what.”

Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between TNT and Ginebra will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. It will air on RPTV, PBA Rush, and the Pilipinas Live app.

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