The Game 1 Story:
[READ: Talk ‘N Text stuns Rain or Shine; draws first blood in finals]
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Take care of the ball.
RoS had 17 turnovers, which resulted to 15 easy points for TNT. Chism and Norwood combined for nine turnovers, while only distributing two total assists. Dribbling too much and passing ahead without checking if the passing lanes are safe should be always be avoided. Doing things too rashly usually brings about trouble.
Wayne Chism needs local support.
For a team with a deep and balanced roster, only Paul Lee had more than 10 points. In addition, Beau Belga only chipped in two points, while Gabe Norwood had five markers.
Make more free throws.
RoS is one of the best foul shooting teams in the league. Furthermore, they have shot more FTs than TNT (33 to 26), but they have made less (18 to 21). It is expected that percentage to be a lot better in the next game.
Attack the paint.
Paul Lee had mediocre game with 13 points on 5 for 12 shooting to go along with four assists. He, however, only attempted one free throw, and he hoisted a lot of forced and contested jumpers. Lee needs to attack the paint more to put TNT’s defense under pressure and possibly collect a foul or free up their shooters more.
Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
Keep your cool Ivan!
Mr. Johnson needs to stay calm and shy away from ANY and all forms of altercation, bumping, trash-talking, etc… Johnson was fortunate to receive only one technical foul instead of getting thrown out when he (intentionally?) bumped RoS Head Coach, Yeng Guiao. I actually thought Johnson would be ejected for that hard hit on a non-player. I think it was totally uncalled for and unnecessary. Another similar incident in this series will probably result in an ejection and/or subsequent suspension. Johnson should expect RoS to try and taunt/goad him into committing a stupid foul or hot-tempered action that would take him out of the game.
Continue their balanced attack.
TNT had four players with 10 points or more: Castro, de Ocampo, Johnson and Ganuelas-Rosser. While Jayson Castro carried them in their previous series, contributions coming from other players especially RDO and MGR make TNT even harder to defeat.
Double team Chism in the low post.
RoS import, Wayne Chism made quick work (34 points) of whatever low post defense TNT offered him during Game 1. The double team from TNT either came too late, or was not attempted at all. On the other hand, this tactic could have been part of TNT’s game plan, so the locals from RoS were unable to participate offensively.
Control the boards.
RoS actually had a +5 rebounding edge over TNT, and the Elasto Painters had a +10 advantage in second chance points. TNT cannot continuously lose in that category if they expect to win this series. Their forwards (RDO, Washington, Carey) need to rebound more than their guards because Castro and Fonacier grabbed more boards than the other big men excluding their import.
Prediction for Game 2:
RoS will take Game 2 with Paul Lee and Gabe Norwood delivering better games
MORE PBA COMMISSIONER’S CUP FINALS COVERAGE
Dissecting the Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals: Uncharacteristic Performances
Guiao not taking Johnson’s bump lightly
Talk ‘N Text stuns Rain or Shine; draws first blood in finals
