Being in the playoffs is nothing new for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, whose core had given the franchise multiple championships early in the decade.
However, with the absence of Ranidel de Ocampo, and with the team trying to incorporate its super rookies into the system, the Tropang Texters hadn’t been as dominant as people had expected them to be right off the bat.
But that’s okay. The Tropang Texters are slowly peaking at the right time, and are coming together as a team. But to get to the ranks of the league’s current super teams, they must first fend off a determined NLEX Road Warriors crew.
NLEX were 4-2 at one point, although they faltered in the homestretch of the elimination round as the team dropped four out of its last five outings. A come-from-behind win over Rain or Shine saved the Road Warriors from going lower in the team standings.
Still, one cannot underestimate one of the tougher middle teams in the league. NLEX lost two outings by only four points combined, so they could have finished higher in the battle for playoff positioning (in theory).
But right now, faced with a twice-to-win disadvantage, it is time for the crew to show they are more than just a middle team satisfied by racking up a few wins and not finishing among the worst squads in the PBA.
Four things
1) Castro
Jayson Castro is still one of the best backcourt players in the league, although his performance may not be on par with previous conferences given his god-like standards. Castro has averaged “only” 19.3 PPG and 6 APG in his last three games, but expect him to be better in the playoffs.
2) Sean Anthony
Anthony has done more than simply provide toughness for his team. He leads the Road Warriors in scoring with 20.6 PPG, and also averages 11.6 RPG and 3.7 APG. He has become the go-to guy of NLEX, capable of hitting the big shots down the stretch.
3) Go big or go home
Asi Taulava has an increased usage rate this conference at 28.5, and has averaged 19.7 PPG and 12.1 RPG. The big man has also shot a staggering 72 percent around the rim, giving NLEX a solid interior option.
4) Spacing
TNT rely on a lot of space to complement their playmakers. The Tropang Texters have shot 35.5 percent from three-point area, the best among the quarter-finals squads.
X-Factors
TNT: Moala Tautuaa
Single-coverage on Taulava will be a huge bonus for the Tropang Texters as it will limit having to rotate on defense or offering help. Tautuaa has the size and quickness to do the work.
NLEX: Shooters
While the Road Warriors thrive in feeding Taulava inside the post, the team also has capable shooters, like Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, and Simon Enciso. If they can surround the big man with space and have the proper position on the floor, it may change how the TNT defense approaches the game.
Prognosis
TNT in 2. It would be the closest series among all first-phase quarter-finals pairings, and a good chess match between two teams playing contrasting styles. But TNT will pull this one off with more talented pieces.
Which of the two sister teams will go to the next stage? The Tropang Texters or the Road Warriors? Sound-off in the comments section below
