The TNT Tropang 5G might have suffered a 102‑100 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday night, but Jordan Heading is unfazed. In fact, he already knows what the Tropa have to take away from the Gin Kings starting in Game 2.
“I think we just got to take away the three‑pointers. They [Ginebra] got so many catch‑and‑shoot threes. I mean, that was something we keyed in on,” he told Rebanse after Game 1.
While protecting the arc was a point of emphasis, Ginebra still shot 13-for-27 from three-ball country. They were particularly hot in the first half, where they made 9 of their 14 three-point attempts.
Keep Ginebra From Getting a Big Lead
Aside from taking away Ginebra’s shooting beyond the arc, the Filipino‑Australian guard said that TNT must prevent Ginebra from getting an early lead.
“I think that we had great efforts to get back in the game, [but] we just can’t give them the type of lead to start the game,” he said.
Entering halftime, Ginebra had a 57‑44 lead, but after the break, TNT surged back into the game, even taking a 95-90 lead down the stretch. Ginebra then rallied in the final three minutes, with RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee hitting the marginal baskets.
On to Game 2 for Heading and TNT
As for Heading himself, he had a rather forgettable Game 1. In 28 minutes off the bench, he only tallied 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. That is a far cry from his 30-point explosion in Game 6 of TNT’s semis showdown with the Meralco Bolts. But, again, Heading is unfazed. Instead, he is looking forward to change some things starting in Game 2.
“We just got to go back, watch the film, and make sure we change a little bit,” he further said.
Even with the loss, it is clear that Heading and the Tropa are still very confident. And they should be because they already know what to do. So, don’t be surprised if TNT plays much better in Game 2. Don’t be surprised either of Heading bounces back with aplomb.
