Jayson Castro is clearly happy that TNT have seized the early lead in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The flagship MVP franchise churned out a masterful performance to beat long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen, 109-96, in Game One of the best-of-seven series Sunday night.
“Naka-una kami sa kanila, so malaking bagay para sa’min ‘to,” said Castro, who had 20 points in the victory.
Castro is particularly happy that TNT remained consistent after pulling away early. They unloaded 20 straight points to turn a two-point deficit to a 37-19 lead early in the second frame.
The Texters eventually led by 23 by the third. Though the Beermen trimmed it to just 13, 72-85, before the period ended, TNT responded and established the 23-point lead once again in the final chapter.
“[This] time, parang na-control namin yung game and ‘di kami na-rattle,” said the veteran floor general.
“Unlike before, ‘pag humahabol na sila, nara-rattle kami. Isa lang nire-remind ko sa mga teammate ko: yung composure namin against San Miguel, dapat nandoon talaga.
“Anytime kaya mag-explode nung team na yun eh. Buti na lang, na-keep namin composure namin, and na-protect namin lead namin, at na-execute namin mga plays namin,” he added.
Besides their consistency, Castro also lauded his team’s confidence on both ends – especially on offense. The KaTropa rained down a total of 13 three-pointers on the Beermen.
“Siguro lahat naman kami sa team, yung confidence namin nandoon talaga. We play as a team, especially sa defense. [On offense] siguro kung sino lang yung wide open talaga, tinitira lang namin.”
Still, Castro isn’t getting carried away with the Game One win, as they believe that it will be long series ahead.
“Ayaw namin na parang mag-expect kaagad,” said Castro, a candidate for Best Player of the Conference honors. “Every game counts pagdating sa series. Siyempre Finals na ‘to.
“Matagal na series ‘to. Let’s see.”
