JORDAN Heading played his best game in a TNT uniform on Wednesday to help the Tropang 5G claim a 3-1 lead in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
In his eighth game with the Tropang 5G, Heading scored 23 points while shooting 8-of-12 from the field in their 108-92 win over Rain or Shine. He also contributed five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in the victory.
Heading’s explosion came with RR Pogoy sidelined with a hamstring injury.
TNT’s injury woes continued in Game 4 when Kelly Williams rolled his ankle and didn’t return to the match. Calvin Oftana also sprained his ankles on both feet, but was still able to come back to the contest.
READ: Kelly Williams adds to TNT injury woes with ankle sprain
The 29-year-old Heading has been dealing with injuries of his own with back spasms still hampering the former No. 1 pick in the Gilas special draft of 2020.
“We all know the capability of Jordan,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “The more his back heals, the more he gets in shape, we are going to see a lot more of him.”
“That came in really handy because we didn’t have Roger and we didn’t have Calvin for long stretches, but we all know what we’re going to get from Jordan,” said Reyes.
Heading said he is still having back problems, but at this point of the conference, he needs to play through it.
“I think everyone’s got problems right now,” Heading said. “It’s just all about grinding through it. It’s back into the playoffs. It’s been a long season, so everyone’s got their niggles in that. It’s not just me, but you’ve just got to fight through it and still produce.”
With Oftana on the bench to rest after rolling his ankle for the second time, Heading took over in the fourth quarter pouring in 13 points to help TNT capture the all-important Game 4.
“This was a pretty pivotal game. Either going up 3-1 or tying it out with them. Winning two in a row, that could have changed the momentum of the series. We’re just trying to lock in every single game and try and put this away on Friday, hopefully. We'll get some rest and get right back to work," he said.
“Main guy’s down, other guys have to step up. I’m just taking the game as it comes to me. I felt like I had a few good looks. I wanted to come out a little bit more aggressive and shoot a few more shots than I’ve been shooting in the last few games. I was glad I was able to get some of those out."
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