ANTIPOLO CITY – Terrence Jones stressed defense instead of his offense spelled the difference on Wednesday even after exploding with 41 points in his first PBA game with TNT.
Jones hit the 40-point mark after converting 16 of his 33 shots. He also grabbed 14 rebounds for the KaTropa, who trounced NLEX, 102-87.
He paid tribute to his teammates for giving him easy baskets because of their defensive plays.
“Amazing play by my teammates on the defensive end,” said Jones. “We got it on the defensive end together. And it helped us. It gives us great, easy offense.”
“They were finding me and passing the ball. They were making it easy for me. I appreciate that. Now we have to move on to Saturday’s game and be ready for Alaska,” Jones said.
After his impressive debut in the Philippines, the former player from the Houston Rockets said he is enjoying the style of play in the PBA including the physicality.
“I find it fun. I love physical games. I like the pace that we are playing defensively. I think we are going to be better from here. We are going to go back, watch the film, and be better in the next game,” said Jones.
The 27-year-old Jones, however, said he still has work to do especially in improving his game while he is with TNT.
“It’s my first game. I’m not perfect. I have a lot to work on. I got to communicate with my teammates and just keep getting better each game,” said Jones.
“As a team, we did a lot defensively. I know coach will be expecting a lot from me because he wants the best for me. Kept that margin to 20 points in the second half and I think that’s from the defensive end,” said Jones.
Still, expect a lot of offense from Jones in the coming games.
“I definitely came here and be a giver and try to make plays. That’s what my team expects from me, to be here and be able to do that,” said Jones.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
