FOR the first time in the PBA 49th Governors’ Cup finals, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson received some boos from the Barangay Ginebra fans, occurring sometime in the fourth quarter of Game Three when the TNT import committed a foul against his well-loved counterpart Justin Brownlee.
Hollis-Jefferson said he doesn’t mind the reception he received from some Ginebra fans last Friday, even wholeheartedly accepting the role of the villain in this series where TNT is still up despite its Game Three defeat over Barangay Ginebra.
At the end of the day, Hollis-Jefferson said the interaction being made by the fans only means they are engaged in the game, and, at the same time, another source of motivation for the Tropang Giga as he looks to lead his team to victory in Game Four on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
READ: RHJ the best defensive minded import Tim Cone has ever seen
“Not much to talk about. They pay money to come and watch us play. They decide to boo, I love it,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “It means they are getting their money’s worth. At the end of the day, it’s just fuel for me.”
“I look forward to the next game and the next opportunity. That gives me energy. It feels good,” he added.
“Not the slightest,” responded Hollis-Jefferson, when asked if he is affected by the boos that rained out the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Hollis-Jefferson played 48 minutes for the second straight game last Friday, pouring 24 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. He remained a force on the defensive end when he registered four steals and a block.
The TNT import was even playing hard until the final buzzer of the 85-73 defeat in Game Three, showing once again that fatigue is not affecting the former NBA player.
After missing out on the opportunity to go up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, Hollis-Jefferson lauded the adjustments made by Barangay Ginebra, pointing out their decision to start LA Tenorio and play Joe Devance for the first time in the finals as keys to the Gin Kings’ victory.
“I think I was a really good game plan. Tim (Cone) drew up a really good game plan. Gave other guys some tries, veterans at that. He made some good reads, got some guys open. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about. Making adjustments, knowing what the other team would do, and just making those adjustments and execute. They play hard too,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
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