TNT import Bol Manute Bol will likely be on top of Meralco’s concerns. —PBA IMAGES
TNT found the right mix of local and import contributions in its PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series against NLEx.
Even so, Tropang 5G veteran Jayson Castro knows the challenge only gets tougher against Meralco.
“Obviously, it’ll be hard for us,” said Castro, who recently joined the PBA’s 10,000-point club.
“Hopefully, we get through, but knowing Meralco, they’re a defensive team. So let’s see how far we go.”
Fresh off adding one other milestone to his decorated profession in Game 1, Castro helped TNT close out NLEx with a 118-112 victory of their do-or-die quarterfinal clash at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.
But when there’s one one who truly holds the team’s fate in his hand, it’s import Bol Bol, who has learned to strike a balance between scoring the ball and getting his teammates involved.
“I give credit to Bol because he realized we’d like to play as a team and, at the identical time, he has to share the ball,” Castro said.
The shifty guard finished with 14 points, eight assists and 4 rebounds. But he wasn’t the just one who got going for TNT.
“The locals also stepped up, which I believe was big in supporting Bol,” he said.
Roger Pogoy, who returned to the starting unit for the primary time within the import-laden conference within the decider, once more proved his value with 21 points, six rebounds, 4 assists and two steals.
Calvin Oftana, TNT’s most consistent local throughout the eliminations, also delivered with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The collective effort from the locals helped lighten the load for his or her NBA-caliber import, who still wound up with 35 points and 13 rebounds.
For Castro, those contributions—together with that Game 1 win where Bol also got quite a lot of local support—prove one thing.
“I believe we’re getting the team chemistry at the right time in these previous couple of games,” he said. “Within the eliminations, we can have lost rather a lot, but our game is coming together here within the playoffs.”
That type of chemistry and native contribution will likely be crucial against Meralco during their semifinal duel that kicks off on Wednesday.
Bol’s ability to attain is beyond query, but his ability to get his teammates involved will matter rather a lot against a team known for its ability to zero in on defensive targets.
“The eye is nearly all the time on Bol, so he’s been involving us within the offense. He can rating anytime, but he’s sacrificed rather a lot to seek out us and make us threats as well.”
TNT opens its semifinal duel with sister team Meralco on Wednesday, in Game 1 at the identical venue. INQ