TNT head coach Chot Reyes hardly felt any relief even if his team completed the Top Four ensemble following a pulsating overtime win over NorthPort to wrap up the 2022 PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations, Friday night.
That’s because the outspoken mentor confirmed that the Tropang Giga will have to stake their twice-to-beat edge against reigning champions Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals in a battle of the third and sixth seeds.
“Papakamatay ka manalo, para makalaban Ginebra,” he said moments after their 106-100 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“We did everything we could to win this game, only to face Ginebra in the next round of the playoffs,” Reyes added in between chuckles.
This marks yet another playoff meeting between the rival conglomerates since the 2021 Philippine Cup quarters in Bacolor, Pampanga.
And that is something the Gin Kings would not want to recall. Hampered by injuries and COVID-19, their championship reign came to a bitter end at the hands of the top-seeded Tropa by way of an 84-71 decision.
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TNT, on the other hand, went on to beat San Miguel next and then Magnolia to bag home the prestigious Perpetual trophy — the first time a team beat all SMC teams since Red Bull in the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup to win a title.
Furthermore, it only vindicated the flagship MVP Group’s decision to reappoint Reyes at the helm even after being away from the PBA for nine years.
Will the Tropang Giga dethrone their foes again? They actually have the number of Ginebra this season. They’ve defeated them thrice, the last of which was a 119-92 beating last February 18 also at the Big Dome.
Photo by PBA Images
Still, it doesn’t make Reyes any less worried. For him, the crowd darlings remain dangerous especially with former Best Import Justin Brownlee in tow.
Shaky has been the Barangay’s run in the tourney due to injuries to key players, but the 33-year-old remains steady. He’s been averaging 28.6 points, 10.5 points, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks so far.
Photo by PBA Images
Besides, Ginebra is heading into the playoffs with good rhythm, having won three of their last four games after absorbing four straight losses.
“We’re playing the team with the resident Best Import so we just have to get ready,” said the champion tactician. “We have no choice.
“We have to put this game behind us, and now focus on Ginebra. It’s going to take much. much better defensive effort for us to be able to beat a team like Ginebra.”
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