Rondae Hollis-Jefferson felt proud of how TNT responded to a tough defeat at the hands of Converge by showing how much they have learned as a collective against Magnolia in a PBA Governors’ Cup thriller Thursday.
“We learned from it. It was a tough one,” the former NBA veteran said in the postgame presser of their 88-82 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
RHJ was, of course, referring to the Tropang Giga losing via the much talked about four-point shot, with Scotty Hopson nailing one to lift the FiberXers to a 96-95 win to record the first game-winner from 27 feet out in the league.
That particular play, where the well-traveled pro confidently fired over the defense of bruising forward Glenn Khobuntin, was all because of their inability to follow instructions handed out by no less than head coach Chot Reyes.
“Coach in the timeout says we want no threes, we want no four points. And then we go out and do the complete opposite,” he recalled. “Coach told us to foul on that play, but we didn’t. You know, things happen, and he made a tough shot.”
For Hollis-Jefferson, TNT cannot be committing such lapses since the mentality is geared towards honing a playoff-ready unit, especially given the fact that they are defending the championship they won in Season 47.
“We talked about it being, like, we’re not getting ready for the next game; we’re getting ready for the playoffs, we’re getting ready for a Game Seven in the Finals,” said the conference’s reigning Best Import.
“Just having that mindset … I think it’s about staying focused, listening in the huddle, just doing your job at the end of the day,” he added.
Reyes echoed his prized import.
“That’s what Rondae was referring to when he was saying in the playoffs, ‘di pwede ‘yung ganun,” he said. “Because in the playoffs it will come down to the last possession.
“And, your ability to follow instructions. That’s just execution, right? For me the fundamental starting point of all execution is your ability to listen well so you can follow instructions. That’s what we talked about,” he added.
That’s why the 29-year-old winger felt glad with how he and the rest of the Tropa dusted dirt off their shoulders by beating the Hotshots, as it’s in line with what the team has been trying to build — and stay consistent with,
“We all were upset. We were down on ourselves. I took a lot of responsibility ’cause I should’ve been guarding him, but you know, that’s a part of basketball. Things happen. It’s all about getting back,” Hollis-Jefferson said.
“And this was a good test because it’s kinda like the playoffs. You play every other day. We played Tuesday, today is Thursday. Teams may think you’re tired … They gave us their best effort and we fought back. I feel good about that.”
