TNT opens Commissioner Cup run with huge win over NLEX

FILE: “Final: 102 – 87 in favor of the TNT KaTropa! Best Player: Terrence Jones with 41 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The Talk N’ Text KaTropa showed that they are a force to be reckoned with for this 2019 edition of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after a huge 102-87 win over the NLEX Road Warriors last Wednesday, May 22 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Terrence Jones fulfilled his duties as an import as he bagged 41 points and 14 rebounds for the KaTropa’s season opener, chipping 23 in the first half alone. Anthony Semerad and Kelly Williams also contributed double-digits at 11 points and 10 points respectively. For the Road Warriors, it was Curtis Washington’s double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds that provided NLEX with a fighting chance, while Poy Erram had 14 points and 12 rebounds as well. Unfortunately for them, TNT already obtained the pacing during their second quarter 12-0 run.

TNT Coach Bong Ravena revealed after the match that his team “expected the import can adjust quickly to the game and to the team, like the chemistry and familiarization amongst themselves,” stating, “Good thing [Jones] delivered. Hopefully next game he can adjust even more.” He added, “We don’t need anything more from him, especially on offense. He can score anyway. But, I hope he improves his free throws,” referring to Jones’ 8-of-19 free throw percentage.

Being named Best Player of the Game, Jones also “wants to give appreciation to [his] teammates,” telling the media, “We did it together on the defensive end. Right now we’re just trying to get better and take it one game at a time.”

TNT is expecting to face the Alaska Aces at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 25. The Road Warriors’ next game is on the same day against Northport Batang Pier.