The TNT Tropang Giga are looking to score their 11th title in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the expense of the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings.
TNT has looked sharper than ever after resolving some issues since losing Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
That is bad news for Ginebra.
With momentum on their side after prevailing in Game 6, 87-83, the Tropang Giga aim to raise their 11th championship trophy at the end of Game 7 on Friday, March 28.
One Sports delves into the keys that will help TNT score a hat-trick of championships against their fierce rivals.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has to be Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
It’s not overstating when one says Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a great player and the best fit for TNT. It would be surprising to even hear a few people claim otherwise.
[RELATED STORY: Hollis-Jefferson raring to win first Game 7 of career: 'Give everything or don't show up']
Like his Ginebra counterpart, Justin Brownlee, Hollis-Jefferson does pretty much everything for the Tropang Giga, some of which are not reflected in the stat sheet.
When RHJ plays well, you know good things follow for TNT.
[ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee hopeful third Game 7 of PBA career still favors him]
Full-court pressure
When TNT stepped it up a notch on defense at the start of the fourth period of Game 6, it went on a 9-0 run that gave them a 72-62 lead.
Good defense led to good offense.
And when the players fully commit to defense, there’s a great chance TNT is winning.
Wax hot from deep
Three-point shooting is one of TNT’s most potent weapons.
But while guys like RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana deliver as expected, one person misfiring from that range is Kim Aurin.
[RELATED STORY: Calvin Oftana 'excited' as TNT, Ginebra go for all the marbles in his first Game 7]
There have been instances in the series where the former Perpetual cager was tentative and second-guessing his shots.
So far, Aurin has only made 2-of-15 from the rainbow country. For TNT to have a better chance at hoisting the trophy, Aurin also has to step up.
But with everything on the line in Friday's match, there's no doubt he will do just that.