Chris Newsome, the veteran that he is, knows exactly what the Meralco Bolts need to do in Game 6.
After suffering a Game 5 loss against the TNT Tropang 5G, Newsome bared what he and the rest of his Bolts teammates must do in order to extend their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series to a Game 7.
“It really comes down to making it tough for them,” said Newsome in an exclusive interview with Rebanse, referring to limiting the scoring of TNT’s locals. “It’s hard to stop all of them, but you really just have to try and make it tough for all of them so that we can get their percentages to drop [and] their shooting at a high clip,” he added.
In Game 5, three players from TNT scored in double digits, with Jordan Heading leading the locals with 22 points. Chris McCullough led all players in scoring with 42 markers.
Try Must TNT Below 90 Points, Says Newsome
In Meralco’s Game 2 and Game 4 victories, they limited TNT to fewer than 91 points. Though the shooting percentages of Tropang 5G’s locals were still impressive, the Bolts made key defensive stops late in those games to secure the wins.
“We are trying to keep them under 90 points. For as long as we keep them under 90, then we’re gonna have a chance so they don’t get into their fast‑paced game,” said the 4th overall pick of the 2015 PBA Draft.
Newsome, known as Meralco’s defensive anchor, had a decent Game 5 performance with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. He was also one of five locals on his team who scored in double digits.
“But nonetheless, we really just have to focus on individual defense, stops, you know, ISO situations, and clearing up the rebound so that they can’t get second‑chance points,” Newsome added.
Meralco did win the second‑chance points battle against TNT last Friday night, 10-7, while grabbing more rebounds, 45-38, and recording more steals, 9-4. It just so happened that they couldn’t contain McCullough on the offensive end as he scored 24 of his 42 in the second half.
The “Little Things” to Force a Game 7
With their backs against the wall, Newsome highlighted the importance of the little things, such as staying disciplined and limiting TNT’s offensive opportunities.
“Staying disciplined all the way through the shot clock. There are times when it’s a low shot clock and we end up fouling with 2 seconds left, kinda bailing them out, not clearing up the rebounds when the shots go up, tips on us, and then they get another possession to try and score,” said the 2024 PBA Finals MVP.
“So, it’s those little things that we’re really trying to clean up—limit how many chances they get to score, limit offensive possessions, and try to force them into more turnovers,” Newsome added.
Aside from committing more fouls, Meralco also gave away perimeter points and points in the paint, which allowed TNT to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
Help Out Patrick Gardner
It’s no secret that Meralco’s import, Patrick Gardner, has struggled in the two games he has suited up for the Bolts.
“He’s a great teammate. He’s really a smart player, he knows the game really well, he plays the game the right way. I have nothing but good things to say about him,” said Newsome.
In Games 4 and 5, Gardner averaged 5.5 fouls, which limited his playing time. But, when he’s been on the floor, he has helped out a lot, especially on offense. That’s why he must figure out a way to stay out of foul trouble.
“For Patrick, it’s nice that he’s hitting his shots and making an impact. We just gotta help him out on how the game is played here, and he kinda needs to stay out of foul trouble and be on the court a little bit more to help us out,” said the three‑time PBA All‑Star.
Come Game 6, Newsome and the rest of Meralco’s locals must prepare their defensive schemes to give themselves a shot at extending the series to a Game 7. Gardner’s adjustment to the PBA’s physicality may still be a work in progress, but his intangibles—rebounding, blocking shots, and generating steals—must remain consistent.
And that defense must be sharp, on-point, and unforgiving. Otherwise, it’s bye-bye Bolts.
