For Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson’s PBA comeback, the entire TNT Tropang 5G squad had to fight tooth and nail against the San Miguel Beermen to secure a hard-fought 93-89 overtime victory. It is their their third win as against two losses in this PBA Governors’ Cup.
During the postgame press conference, TNT head coach Chot Reyes revealed that RHJ battled cramps in the latter part of the game but still managed to pull through.
Speaking with Rebanse, the older brother of TNT resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson confirmed that he, indeed, fought through cramps as he pushed himself to the limit until the final buzzer.
“It’s always fun coming back here—it’s always going to be a great atmosphere,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
“It was a hard-fought game, and for my first game, you know, I was pushing myself. Yeah, I cramped at the end, but I had to fight through it, at least until it was over, I think,” said RHJ with a smile.
The 35-year-old struggled with his shooting, going just 8-of-23 from the field while committing 6 turnovers. He still finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
TNT Got Shots It Wanted at the End
Playing his first game back in the league after roughly three years, Hollis-Jefferson said the team got the shots it wanted down the stretch while sticking to its game plan to improve its record to 3-2.
“I think we just stuck with our game plan, and we were able to connect on the shots we wanted—especially at the end. I got a few open looks, and we were able to hit them,” he added.
Aside from Kim Aurin, who sparked TNT with back-to-back three-pointers in overtime, Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram also knocked down crucial baskets to withstand the Beermen’s fourth-quarter rally.
After a few days of rest, TNT will next face the undefeated NLEX Road Warriors, led by head coach Jimmy Alapag, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, August 4.
