Here are the players who made the biggest impact on May 20 and the stats to prove it.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
Bol Manute Bol TNT C 37 PTS | 8 AST | 6 BLK | 75.2 FPS
Except for the turnovers, this was the type of performance that TNT needed from Bol Bol. As usual, he was dominant on defense, finishing with double-digit rebounds while leading all players in blocks. Offensively, however, he was spectacular, shooting 13-for-18 from two while getting others into rhythm, posting a conference-high in assists.
Jaylen Rashawn Johnson ROS C 40 PTS | 19 REB | 2 STL | 70.3 FPS
Johnson set the tone early, scoring nine points in the first quarter, and he finished even stronger by dropping 15 points in the fourth to lead the team to a comeback win. He did most of his damage today from long range, knocking down six threes and a four-pointer for his best scoring game of the tournament.
Jhonard Clarito ROS PF 25 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 42.2 FPS
Clarito has really struggled over his last three games, but he completely flipped the script today, knocking down three threes and going 6-for-12 from two to set a new conference-high in scoring. While he’s unlikely to repeat this performance, he should continue to be a major factor in this matchup.
Roger Ray Pogoy TNT SF 21 PTS | 9 REB | 2 AST | 34.8 FPS
Pogoy had a quiet elimination round, struggling to find his offensive rhythm while making limited overall production. However, he has turned things around at just the right time, averaging 19.0 points on 63.6% shooting from the field to go along with 6.0 rebounds over the last three games.
Gian Robert Mamuyac ROS SF 18 PTS | 5 AST | 1 BLK | 31.7 FPS
Mamuyac was limited to just two points in their win against San Miguel, but he responded in a big way today, shooting 7-for-10 from two and finishing third on the team in scoring.
Jeth Troy Rosario GIN PF 7 PTS | 13 REB | 2 BLK | 30.1 FPS
Rosario made a huge impact on the paint today. He was productive offensively, hitting 3-of-6 from two-point range. On the boards, however, he was a force, recording six offensive rebounds for his fifth 10-rebound game of the tournament. With limited options at his position, the Kings will remain deeply dependent on his production going forward.
Calvin John Oftana TNT SG 14 PTS | 11 REB | 1 TO | 28.2 FPS
Oftana certainly made his presence felt with this performance. Offensively, he was effective, especially from three-point range where he knocked down a team-high two three-pointers. He was just as impressive on the glass, pulling down a game-high three offensive rebounds to secure his fourth double-double of the conference.
Rhon Jay Abarrientos GIN PG 21 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 27.3 FPS
It wasn’t the most efficient scoring performance but he still came through, hitting five threes and finishing as the team’s second leading scorer. Throughout the conference, the star guard has been excellent on the offensive end and it would be unsurprising to see him deliver much bigger performances moving forward.
Adrian Clarence Nocum ROS SG 16 PTS | 2 AST | 2 STL | 25.4 FPS
On two-pointers, Nocum was off today, going 1-of-5. Still, he was effective offensively, hitting three threes and converting 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. For much of the conference, Nocum has delivered on offense, and he should be able to do the same in this matchup.
Earl Scottie Thompson GIN SF 17 PTS | 7 REB | 2 AST | 25.4 FPS
Given how well he has played in the tournament, this was one of his less productive performances. Nonetheless, Thompson continued to elevate his scoring game, posting at least 15 points for the third time in four outings.
Jordan Timothy Heading TNT SG 16 PTS | 2 REB | 1 STL | 21.4 FPS
It has been a wildly up-and-down conference for Heading. Though he’s had a couple of strong scoring games, he has largely struggled, finishing with six points or fewer eight times. It was one of the former today, however, as he shot 6-for-9 from the field to finish as one of the team’s top scorers.
Michael John Malonzo ROS PF 12 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 20.3 FPS
This was his best game of the conference. While he maintained a strong impact in multiple areas, it was his scoring that made the biggest difference. He was excellent from the field, hitting 3-of-5 from two-point range and adding a three-pointer to finish with a conference-high scoring output.
Crispin John Cansino MER SF 12 PTS | 3 REB | 1 STL | 20.1 FPS
Compared to his hot start to the tournament, his recent performances have been a step down. Today was more of the same, although he still managed to score effectively. Obviously, the Bolts will need more from him offensively, especially against an elite defensive team like TNT.
Kier John Quinto MER SF 17 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST | 19.9 FPS
Recently, Quinto has leveled up his play in the scoring end, posting double-digit points in five of his last six games. Today, however, he took it up another notch, knocking down two four-pointers for his best scoring game of the tournament.
Nards John Pinto GIN PG 13 PTS | 1 REB | 14.2 FPS
Throughout the conference, Pinto has been an impactful contributor, but he has taken it a step further in the playoffs. After a well-rounded performance against Phoenix, he provided a huge spark offensively today, pouring in 13 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the field.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Joshua Andrei Caracut ROS PG 2 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST | 7.1 FPS
This was the complete opposite of his performance against San Miguel. After scoring nearly 30 points on 58% shooting, Caracut has gone cold today, going 0-for-5 and finishing with two points or fewer for the fourth time this conference. Though he’s had a rough conference overall, Caracut definitely has the ability to turn things around offensively when needed.
