While it was a complete team effort that allowed the TNT Tropang 5G to win Game 2 and take a 2-0 series lead against the Meralco Bolts, it was actually Jordan Heading who lit the fire. The sweet-shooting lefty was aggressive from the get-go and scored 9 of TNT’s first 16 points en route to a 29-19 first quarter.
Heading continued to be aggressive the rest of the way, firing 15 more points to help the Tropa secure a 109-92 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Even more impressive, Heading didn’t just get his points from downtown. He gave Meralco the complete package, driving to the lane, hitting from midrange, and nailing a few from distance, too.
Day and Night Performances from Jordan Heading
That performance was a far cry from Heading’s 9-point outing in Game 1, where he attempted just five times and was completely rendered ineffective all game long. Afterwards, the Fil-Aussie tipped his hat to Meralco’s Game 1 defense even as he returned the favor in Game 2.
“I thought Meralco did a really, really good job of just sort of limiting my touches last game. And I thought they scouted me quite well,” he admitted after Game 2.
Jojo Lastimosa with the Assist
So, what changed for the former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay in Game 2 of TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup semis clash with the Bolts?
Well, it appears Jordan Heading got challenged by PBA legend and current TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa.
“Coach Jolas kind of challenged me to be more aggressive,” Heading said. “Just because they’re [Meralco] kind of trying to maybe take the ball out of some guy’s hands, it doesn’t mean that you sort of take a step back. And I try to take every experience as a learning experience.”
Heading didn’t take a step back, all right, even with Calvin Oftana looking for his shot as well. As a result, the two shooters combined for 40 big points to tow the Tropa to a commanding series lead. And that’s not even the best part for TNT fans, as they can expect more of the same from Heading.
“It doesn’t mean I’m going to have a great game every game going forward, but I’m going to try to stay aggressive and try to keep trusting my teammates as well,” he added.
Now, this is already stating the obvious, but an aggressive Jordan Heading is certainly more trouble for Meralco.
