TNT and Barangay Ginebra took the opener of their respective PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup semifinal series. They return to the court on Friday, looking for a 2-0 lead and closer to arranging a rematch of their finals duel two seasons ago.
Let’s look back at Game One, and what will be the keys in Game Two.
TNT vs. Rain or Shine
When: Friday, October 11. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
TNT draws first blood
The Tropang Giga captured the first game of the best-of-seven series by defeating the Elasto Painters, 90-81. TNT was able to pull away in the fourth quarter, building a 13-point lead, 80-67, on their way to taking the series opener. TNT will now try to grab a 2-0 advantage in the semifinals.
Take away the all-around game of RHJ
The PBA playoffs has been a showcase of the multiple things that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson can do. The TNT import had a double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds, while posting nine assists, five steals, and four blocks, all of which are playoff highs for him this conference. Rain or Shine is now faced with the tall task of limiting Hollis-Jefferson not just in scoring but also in the other aspects of the game.
Limit turnovers
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao didn’t hide the fact that the 22 turnovers in Game One was a huge factor in their defeat. The output was the largest in the playoffs for the Elasto Painters. ROS has been erratic in this playoffs, garnering more than the 14.0 turnovers on average it had during the eliminations in all their games.
Taking control of the pace
TNT coach Chot Reyes was adamant that the Tropang Giga were able to control the pace of Game One, limiting the offensive opportunities of the Elasto Painters especially in their running game. Still, TNT was able to concede 21 fastbreak points against Rain or Shine, the second-most in the playoffs, something that the Tropang Giga would still want to limit in order to help their chances of grabbing a 2-0 lead in the semifinals.
Barangay Ginebra vs. San Miguel
When: Friday, October 11. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Brownlee went off in Game One
Barangay Ginebra grabbed the series opener last Wednesday, 122-105, behind the outside sniping of Justin Brownlee, who shot 5-of-6 from fours on his way to 33 points in a rout that saw the Gin Kings outscore the Beermen, 34-20, in the third quarter. As always, trying to contain Brownlee will be a chore again come Game Two.
Stephen Holt quietly plays huge for the Gins
While Brownlee took most of the spotlight in Game One for his shooting, Stephen Holt should also be given credit for the win after going for 30 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in 42 minutes. This while also playing defense on SMB players including import EJ Anosike. Holt is certainly on a rise and San Miguel must find a way to contain him on offense while limiting his impact on defense.
June Mar’s production will be key in Game Two
After a 40-point, 24-rebound outing in Game Five of the quarterfinals against Converge, June Mar Fajardo still had a decent showing with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. However, Fajardo only took nine shots in the contest, his lowest since taking eight in Game Two against Converge, and making five. While he got 10 free throws, Fajardo made only five of those shots, certainly uncharacteristic of a player who shot 76 percent from the charity stripe during the eliminations. A big game from Fajardo could be enough for SMB in Game Two.
Can Joe Devance repeat his Game One effort?
In our semifinals preview, we mentioned the importance of Joe Devance in the series especially in the defensive side against June Mar Fajardo. Well, not only was Devance a factor on defense against Fajardo, he even added a bonus by making eight points and two assists in the Game One win. Coach Tim Cone applauded the defense of Devance and even Ben Adamos in helping out Japeth Aguilar in limiting Fajardo. The question now will be consistency as Ginebra looks to come out with a similar effort on defense in Game Two.
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