ANTIPOLO – Both Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana assured that there’s nothing to worry about as the two suffered separate injuries during TNT’s PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals opener against Meralco on Friday.
The former NBA cager reportedly hurt his groin and was brought out of the match with about three minutes left in the third quarter, never to return.
But the Tropang Giga afforded to play all-Filipino the rest of the way as their import had already inflicted damage, leaving with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists as his side eventually cruised to the big 110-80 victory.
He put out that rare statistical feat 48 hours after dropping an 18-12-10 line in their quarterfinal duel versus Phoenix, making him the first import since Justin Brownlee to finish with triple-doubles in consecutive games.
The resident Ginebra import registered three straight triple-doubles early in the 2019 Governors’ Cup, a conference which they eventually ruled.
“I’m good,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who also had two steals and two blocks to submit a full line, moments after the win at the Ynares Center here.
Oftana, on the other hand, was subbed out past the midway mark of the final period after spraining his right foot, and didn’t come back anymore.
But just like Hollis-Jefferson, the sophomore winger had done enough in the game as he left with 15 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a block.
“Natapilok lang,” said Oftana, who said that he also suffered a sprain late in the eliminations but on the other foot. “Mild sprain, pero manageable naman.”
It sure is good news for TNT that both players downplayed their injuries but head coach Jojo Lastimosa is still hoping for the best.
“I think he’s [Hollis-Jefferson] fine. I’m concerned of Calvin. Na-tweak na naman niya yung ankle niya … hindi ko pa nakakausap. I’m hoping that it’s not something that can keep you out of the game,” he said.
Game 2 is on Sunday, still at the Ynares Center.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
