Everyone's eyes are on Terrence Jones for a good reason.
The TNT KaTropa import is once again in the spotlight as his squad faces fellow unbeaten team NorthPort Batang Pier when both teams seek a third straight win and a share of the early lead in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Led by Jones, the Tropang Texters (2 wins, 0 loss), face an acid test in the Batang Pier (2-0) as both of their two-game winning streaks are on the line in their 4:30 p.m. clash at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In the nightcap, struggling teams Alaska Aces (1-2) and NLEX Road Warriors (0-2) face off at 7 p.m.
The victor between TNT and NorthPort will gain a share of the early tournament lead with Blackwater Elite, who currently sits at 3-0.
With all the hype surrounding his play in the league, Jones, a legitimate NBA veteran, is more than justifying all the fuss, dominating thus far in his first two games to lead his team to two victories.
In TNT’s initial wins, Jones was unstoppable, averaging 42 points per game in his team’s successive wins over NLEX and Alaska, respectively, to start its campaign.
He scored a game-high 43 points in the Texters’ 99-85 drubbing of the Aces last Saturday before getting ejected late due to technical fouls.
“I’m just here trying to win games and that’s what I’m doing, “ said the 27-year-old Jones, who was a constant in the Houston Rockets’ rotation just two seasons ago in the NBA. “I’m just sticking to playing my game and focusing on what my team needs to win.”
Jones believes that he and his team is bound to get better.
“It’s a great start. I think we’re going to still get better. We’re going to keep learning and building our chemistry until we get to the playoffs,” he said.
The Batang Pier is ready to likewise prove that its hot start is legit.
Despite missing superstar Stanley Pringle, who is recovering from an injury, for its first two games, NorthPort managed to take down Alaska and NLEX, respectively, to be in a good position.
Pringle remains questionable against the Texters.
The Aces and the Road Warriors will head to their duel both carrying two-game losing streaks.
NLEX has yet to crack the winning column and his hoping to do so to avoid a huge hole.
The Road Warriors will now parade original import choice Tony Mitchell.