By REYNALD MAGALLON
With the elusive season-ending conference jewel within reach, TNT vowed to give it all when it guns for the long coveted coronation against the defending champion Ginebra in Game 6 of the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, April 21.
The Tropang Giga’s date with destiny begins at 5:45 p.m. with head coach Jojo Lastimosa expecting a huge fightback from the Kings who are now fighting for their dear lives and looking to drag the Finals series to winner-take-all Game 7.
Lastimosa certainly has all the reason to temper expectations despite TNT’s back-to-back wins that allowed them to seize the lead for the first time in the series. The last time the Tropang Giga went on a 3-2 lead was in the Philippine Cup where they still went on to lose the crown against San Miguel in seven games
“I wish I can flip the script but easier said than done, especially going up against Ginebra, especially going up against Tim (Cone), going up against Brownlee,” said Lastimosa pertaining to TNT’s Finals series loss in the all-Filipino conference.
“You have to understand that coming in here we have nothing to lose. These guys are just playing and it just so happens that we are given an opportunity to grab it and we will,” he added.
The first year mentor is also not expecting the Kings to just go roll-over and die as the pride of champions and the team’s Never-Say-Die mantra certainly will take over for the Kings according to Lastimosa.
“They are still the favorites even though we’re up 3-2, kumbaga hindi kami kampante. And we know how hard it is to win over them,” he added.
Ginebra though was in an unfamiliar situation as it was only the first time that the Kings trailed 3-2 after a 2-2 deadlock in the Finals under Cone’s era. An even bigger cause of concern for the defending champion is the health of import Justin Brownlee who was brought to the hospital after exiting early in Game 5 due to food poisoning.
Lastimosa said TNT will be preparing for any eventuality whether Brownlee will be present for Game 6 or not. He, however, believes that the three-time Best Import will show up for the do-or-die match for the Kings.
“Not having Brownlee there, of course, we have to take advantage of that. But I don’t think he’s going to miss that sixth game or if we reach a seventh game. I think he’s going to be there,” said Lastimosa.
With or without the Kings’ resident import, tasked to bring their A-game are Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson who were both a non-factor in Game 5 after combining for a meager 12 points.
Christian Standhardinger is also expected to hold the fort for Ginebra especially with TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson along with Calvin Oftana, Mikey Williams and Jayson Castro all eager to close out the series.
