By REYNALD MAGALLON
Becoming complacent with a 2-0 semifinal series lead is the last thing TNT head coach Chot Reyes wants to see from the Tropang Giga as he urges them to continue pressing on the gas pedal against a down but still very dangerous Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
While it’s nice to hold such a commanding advantage, Reyes said his team cannot be carried away by their victories and should remain on their toes heading into the pivotal Game 3 on Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Dasmarinas City Arena.
“We cannot take our foot on the gas pedal. It’s nice to be up 2-0 but it takes four to get to the next stage,” Reyes preached after another convincing 108-91 win over Rain or Shine in Game 2
While Rain or Shine managed to limit the activity of TNT’s do-it-all import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang Giga was buoyed by their defense and the explosion of Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana to create the separation in the third quarter and never looked back from there.
Knowing full well how formidable any Yeng Guiao -mentored team, Reyes was not counting ROS out and intended to prepare every possible counter-measures to Elasto Painters adjustments come Game 3.
“We are not thinking about that (sweep). All our thoughts is yung Game 3 lang. Trying to figure out what Rain or Shine and coach Yeng will come up with and preparing ourselves not only physically but more importantly on the mentally and emotionally,” he added.
For now, however, Reyes said TNT is sticking to what works for the team through the first two games of the series – their defense.
“Everything for us starts with our defense. In the defense it’s really all the five guys. The locals are doing their part in defending Rain or Shine. We know how strong, how potent they are offensively so we are really focusing on that,” Reyes pointed out while also particularly commending Poy Erram and Henry Galinato for limiting the touches of ROS import Aaron Fuller.
“The locals play big roles there teh job that Poy Erram and Herny Gakinato are doing on Aaron Fuller is very commendable especially without Kelly that’s where it starts the defense,” he added.
