The TNT Tropang 5G were on the verge of taking a 2-1 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup Finals rematch with the San Miguel Beermen. That’s when CJay Perez happened. He strung seven points in a matter of seconds, and just like that, it was San Miguel taking that all-important series lead.
Naturally, TNT guard Rey Nambatac, who drilled what would’ve been the go-ahead triple in the waning moments of Game 3, was heartbroken at how TNT surrendered the lead and the win.
“Breaks of the game… nangyayari ’yung ganun,” Nambatac told reporters after the game. “Switch talaga. ’Yun ang game plan… it was good defense from Henry. Na-late lang siya ng isang step, pero good challenge pa rin. Nakapanghihinayang. Masakit sa loob ko, masakit sa dibdib ko, masakit na pagkatalo. Pero motivation na lang ’yun para sa akin.”
TNT Will Adjust, Says Nambatac
If it’s any consolation for TNT Nation, it’s that the team is moving on and will be focused on making the necessary adjustments.
“Lesson learned for us,” Sting-Rey added. “May mga few mistakes, pero for sure, next game mag-a-adjust kami.”
One adjustment the Tropa might look into will likely be their coverage on Perez, who fired 17 of his 20 total points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 as he carved up the TNT defense. But as Chot Reyes and the rest of the Tropang 5G coaching staff figure out the adjustments to make, Nambatac is worried about something else.
“Ang concern talaga is ’yung fatigue,” Nambatac pointed out.
And his concern might be warranted. Three of TNT’s top players—Calvin Oftana, Jordan Heading, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser—all played over 35 minutes in Game 3, while Kelly Williams looked out of gas in the 20 minutes he was on the floor.
It’s a good thing for TNT, then, that there are two days off between Games 3 and 4. They’ll have time to rest and figure out adjustments. But so do the Beermen.
