TNT head coach Chot Reyes knows that when push comes to shove, he can count on the Tropang Giga to stay composed and do the right thing in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
While casual viewers thought TNT already had the game in the bag after taking an early 23-point lead against Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, coach Chot Reyes knew the Tropang Giga should not relax against the Bolts just yet.
Reyes was right.
The Bolts found enough spark to mount a comeback in the second half and threatened to steal the dub by grabbing the lead at one point in the final stretch.
Good thing Reyes’ squad maintained composure and went on to survive Meralco, 101-99, on Tuesday, January 7.
“First of all, we expected it. We had no illusions that it was gonna be an easy game,” said Reyes after TNT improved to 3-2.
“Even when were up by 20 we knew Meralco had the capability to come back.”
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But the back-to-back Governors’ Cup champions knew exactly what to do when they found themselves in such a quagmire.
Reyes said his wards refused to panic in the face of the furious rally, with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson munching on the free throws that gave the Tropang Giga the hard-earned victory.
“In the end were able to settle down and not panic even when they grabbed the lead. We just stayed within ourselves. In the end the players made big plays. I guess that’s the story of the game,” Reyes said.