JORDAN Heading regained his touch in Game 2 and TNT hopes that it would continue on Sunday as the Tropang 5G look to take command in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
After scoring only five points on 2-of-5 shooting in the Game One loss, Heading was active again on offense when he made 14 points and shot 5-of-8 from the field including two triples in TNT’s 101-94 win over Barangay Ginebra.
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Prior to the PBA Finals series opener, Heading went off for 30 points, making seven of his 10 three-pointers, in the closeout win over Meralco.
TNT coach Chot Reyes observed that Heading was gun-shy in the PBA Finals opener, in total contrast to his role in the team, and his performance in Game 2 was what is expected of him.
“In Game 1, he hardly took shots,” said Reyes. “We kept telling him he has to really hunt and look for his shots. ‘Yun ang value niya sa amin.”
Heading proved a perfect complement for Calvin Oftana after the TNT star went 5-of-10 from threes. In total, TNT made 9-of-29 from threes, plus 2-of-3 from four-point range, both coming from Rey Nambatac.
Reyes admitted Heading’s defense isn’t one of the best in the team, so his offense needs to click in order to leave an imprint in the game.
“He tries hard but he is not the best defender. We all know that. Kapag hindi siya nakaka-shoot, maliit ang value niya sa amin.”
“He has to make sure that he puts points on the board because that’s his role in the team and that’s his value to us,” said Reyes.
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