ANTIPOLO – Jordan Heading was actually a gametime decision in Game 1 of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup finals after he felt ill in the days leading to the series opener on Wednesday.
TNT coach Chot Reyes revealed that Heading, one of the hero's of the team's closeout victory against Meralco in Game 5 of the semifinals, didn’t practice on Tuesday as he was sick to the point where he had to be injected with IV fluids.
READ: TNT turns back last-gasp San Miguel comeback in Game One
“Sinwero siya. Gametime decision siya today,” said Reyes.
Heading confirmed that he started to get sick on Monday after the PBA finals press conference.
“I don’t really know (what happened). I just got home from the presscon, coming out all ends, it was a bit of a rough start to the finals. But a win is a win and we are glad that we got that,” he shared.
Prior to the series, TNT was already dealing with the hamstring injury of Roger Pogoy which could keep him out for the early part of the finals.
Fortunately for the Tropang 5G, Heading willed himself for Game 1, and actually got better over the course of the match-up where he scored 13 points including four late free throws to seal the 96-91 win in Game 1.
“As time goes on, felt a little bit more life. In that second half, I felt a lot better than in the first half so that’s good news. I think I’m over it now,” Heading stated.
Prior to Game 1, Heading started in 11 out of his 14 matches during the Philippine Cup.
Aside from the free throws, Heading was nailing his shots at the most crucial time, making a three point shot during an 8-0 blast that pushed TNT up, 86-77.
The late free throws that Heading made was just enough to stymie SMB's furious comeback.
Reyes also explained his decision to bring heading off the bench despite willing himself to play.
“Jordan Heading was not able to practice yesterday. We thought it was better if we get him off the bench but also to play the role that Roger plays for us which is to score off the bench,” said Reyes.
Heading hailed the likes of Simon Enciso and Kim Aurin who took the cudgels early in the game as the surprise starters of the match.
“Kim started because I didn’t practice. But everyone from 1 to 12 played fantastic tonight. Simon brought the energy to start the game and that was massive," he said.
"Down to the end, Poy (Erram) played fantastic. Kim played great. Glenn, all our role guys. It’s the glue to get some wins in this series."
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