Terrence Jones’ eventful PBA Finals debut mirrored most of the games he produced during TNT KaTropa’s campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup: an all-around performance coupled with a victory.
Jones did it again Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, though he missed two assists from completing rare triple-double after finishing with 41 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the opening salvo of the best-of-seven series.
As much as he wanted to deflect the credit to his teammate and stressing how the whole unit did its job in claiming a 109-96 triumph, it was Jones’ show right from the start.
“We’re happy na yung output niya talagang andyan every game,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena. “We’re very lucky to have him.”
Their good fortunes acquiring the former NBA player has enabled the KaTropa to rise from conferences marred by early exits to being three games removed from winning the franchise’s first championship since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
Jones’ scoring prowess, ability to distribute the ball and even a knack for getting looseballs highlighted another double-digit victory for TNT — it’s 12th this conference.
He turned the highly-anticipated import matchup between him and SMB’s Chris McCullough into a mismatch.
Jones’ fellow ex-NBA player was forced into nine turnovers despite topping all scorers with 33 points.
“Well for me personally I’m a winner so the thing to do is to win,” Jones said. “I don’t care if he scores more points than me, plays better than me. If my team ends up winning then that’s the matchup that I care: about who wins and who loses.”
He did get himself in a heated moment with over a minute left in the third quarter when Jones elbowed San Miguel’s Chris Ross in the right elbow, resulting in an offensive foul.
Television cameras saw Jones stepping on Ross’ left leg after the whistle, which infuriated the San Miguel Beer guard. Ross later took exception for what he deemed was a deliberate act.
“There are certain things that aren’t basketball plays. If you wanna play basketball, we gonna play basketball. If you wanna play dirty, we’ll play dirty,” Ross said.
Jones, on his part, insisted that his elbow was purely accidental.
“I guess he felt I was on him or something,” said Jones. “I tried to help him up to let him know that (the elbow) wasn’t intentional but he didn’t want my help. It’s the playoffs, I don’t really care so next game.”
Many believe the incident as a prelude to the possibility of similar incidents during the series, with SMB likely to test the TNT import’s patience and composure. But Jones insists he’ll try whatever he can to keep his cool.
“I’m used to it but this is the championship so I’m definitely emotional as well,” he said. “I love to play the game, I love to win. So I’m here to not let anybody punked me but definitely try and stay calm and stay poise to make sure I stay in the game for my team.”
With that said, PBA fans are waiting on Jones’ next move. (JONAS TERRADO)
