The TNT Tropang Giga will try to bounce back against Barangay Ginebra and tie the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association best-of-seven championship series.
The two teams clash 6 p.m., today, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena & Cultural Center Powered by Smart 5G.
After losing Game 1, 94-100, in overtime last Sunday, November 29 the Tropang Giga faces a formidable challenge in the Gin Kings.
Ginebra will again rely on the playmaking and veteran leadership of LA Tenorio who orchestrated the team’s winning plays which propelled them past TNT in Game 1.
Tenorio wants his team to remain vigilant and not relax despite holding a 1-0 advantage. He wants to motivate his teammates to treat each game like a knockout game.
“We never know. This might be my last time to play in an All-Filipino championship. Whatever it takes. Again, whatever it takes for us to win every game, to get the win. We’ll take it,” Tenorio said in a published report.
Tenorio was responsible for crucial plays in the overtime victory against TNT. He dribbled to the top of the free throw circle, drawing the TNT defenders and then dished to a cutting Arvin Tolentino who converted the layup to tie the count at 92-92 and send the game to overtime where Ginebra eventually prevailed.
Additionally, Ginebra will also rely on Stanley Pringle, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson.
Meanwhile, TNT has turned from slight favorite into overwhelming underdog overnight.
TNT workhorse Ray Parks aggravated a hurting left leg early in Game 1 severely limiting his mobility. After submitting import-like numbers against Phoenix Super LPG in the semifinals Parks was hobbled against Ginebra.
Parks averaged 27.8 points (which included a high of 41 points), 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game against Phoenix. In Game 1 against Ginebra he had just 20 points and 4 rebounds.Worse, he scored only 3 points in the payoff fourth quarter and zero in overtime. Compare that to his 17 and 15 points in the fourth quarter alone of Games 4 and 5 won by TNT against Phoenix.
Parks is a doubtful starter against Ginebra today which means TNT’s other players will have to step up for the team if they hope to win another PBA crown after a long, long drought. The last PBA title they’ve won was the 2012-2013 PBA Philippine Cup.
TNT stalwarts Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Jay Washington and sniper Simon Enciso will have to step up to the challenge if TNT hopes beat Ginebra and equalize their championship playoff.