TNT turned to defense in the final two possessions against Converge on the way to a fourth-straight win in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Two-time PBA champion and Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson isolated Cheick Diallo on the right baseline, hit a couple of between the leg dribbles, then nailed the fadeaway jumper — a perfect emulation of the late Kobe Bryant’s signature move.
Like Bryant many times before, Hollis-Jefferson also made the game-winner for the second straight game, with his go-ahead bucket over Diallo being instrumental as TNT survived erstwhile-streaking Converge in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 11.
The Tropang Giga then turned to defense in the final minute of regulation, with the team disrupting the FiberXers’ offense in their final two possessions en route to their fourth-straight win after a 0-2 start.
“There's no such thing as an easy game in the league any more,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes on the close 98-96 victory.
"That’s why I always keep reminding them, and keep preaching defense," he added.
The former Brooklyn Net spearheaded TNT’s attack with 31 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, while RR Pogoy also played tremendously on both ends, winding up with 22 points, five rebounds, an assist, and two steals to power the local attack.
Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana also scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for TNT.
Meanwhile, Diallo paced Converge with 37 points and 16 rebounds. He also had an assist and two blocks.
No. 1 pick Justine Baltazar came up with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Jordan Heading had 12 points, five boards, two assists for the FiberXers, who dropped to 6-3 for the conference after seeing their four-game streak snapped.
The Scores:
TNT 98 – Hollis-Jefferson 31, Pogoy 22, Nambatac 13, Oftana 12, Khobuntin 8, K.Williams 4, Aurin 3, Erram 3, Castro 2, Razon 0, Exciminiano 0, Galinato 0.
CONVERGE 96 – Diallo 37, Baltazar 17, Heading 12, Winston 11, Arana 9, Stockton 7, Racal 3, Santos 0, Delos Santos 0, Andrade 0, Nieto 0, Javillonar 0.
Quarterscores: 27-27, 46-44, 77-79, 98-96