PBA Commissioner’s Cup action continues today with a double-header featuring the Macau Black Knights, NLEX Road Warriors, TNT Tropang 5G, and Blackwater Bossing. Both games will feature a team on the upper half of the standings taking on a team at the lowest part of the totem pole.
Here are some things to keep an eye on:
1. Can Macau Build on Their Near Upset of Meralco?
The Black Knights have been competitive only for stretches at a time this Commissioner’s Cup, but they’ve never really gotten close to winning—until they nearly shocked the Meralco Bolts over the weekend. In that game, Macau managed to get the lead down the stretch and seemed just a made shot and a defensive stop away from finally barging into the win column. That should be a confidence builder for Macau as it takes on the 4-1 Road Warriors.
2. Can NLEX’s Offense Keep Humming?
Known primarily as a blue-collar, defensive-oriented squad that wins on grit, NLEX has turned up the offense lately, scoring 118 in a win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and 120 in a victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Robert Bolick, as expected, has been leading this offensive onslaught, but he’s also been getting plenty of help from up and down the roster. Schonny Winston and Kevin Alas come to mind, for sure. Now, against a team that isn’t really known for its defense, the Road Warriors could be due for another explosion.
3. How Will the Pat Aquino Era Begin?
Blackwater and Jeffrey Cariaso recently parted ways, and taking The Jet’s place is former Gilas Women coach Pat Aquino. Naturally, all eyes will be on the veteran tactician and how he can possibly change the culture of one of the PBA’s perennial laughingstocks. Unfortunately for him, his first game will be against one of the league’s perennial powerhouses in TNT. So, what will Aquino do in his Commissioner’s Cup debut?
4. Will the Real TNT Finally Show?
The Tropa are currently 3-2 in this Commissioner’s Cup and haven’t really shown the form that has made them among the most fearsome units over the past few conferences. Super import Bol Bol seems to still be finding his way around, especially defensively, while the locals haven’t really produced in the same prolific ways they’re capable of. Against a defensively challenged Bossing, that all can change.
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Action
Today’s Commissioner’s Cup double-header will be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with NLEX and Macau opening hostilities in the first game. TNT takes on Blackwater in the second game.
