Consistency is basically what Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hopes for after getting fouled out during a critical juncture in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series between rivals TNT and Rain or Shine, Friday night.
Although the Tropang Giga managed to hack out the 93-91 victory, the two-time Best Import was left displeased with the apparent double standard in his physical play that ultimately led to his disqualification during the fourth quarter.
“Listen. I don’t have a problem with the physicality of the game but I said this before: I’m one person getting fouled by a whole team,” he told reporters moments after emerging from the dugout at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“I gotta be able to play physical back,” added the former NBA veteran, who fouled out of a game for the first time in this conference.
Hollis-Jefferson garnered his sixth and last foul of the match at the 5:36-mark of the final frame when the initial call in his favor was overturned.
Caelan Tiongson was first whistled for a blocking foul when he tried to stop a driving RHJ but upon review, the latter committed a charging infraction.
And that led him to the bench, never to return. He left the match with 28 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks to his name.
It sure is rare to see Hollis-Jefferson get kicked out of a game because of fouls and that’s why he really hopes for better officiating next time.
“I let them seal me, I let them hold me, that happens all game. I just think that you should be more on the cautious side when calling these fouls,” he said.
Despite his ejection and the injury to Jayson Castro, Hollis-Jefferson was pleased that TNT managed to hang on for the win, thanks to their defense, even as they went scoreless in the final 6:22 of the game.
The Tropang Giga almost squandered their 93-80 lead during that stretch.
“Our defense stayed pretty good, you know. We didn’t score in the last six and a half, [but] our defense stayed firmly good and that’s how we pulled this one out,” said the two-time league champion.
“But a lot of credit to Rain or Shine.”
#WATCH: “I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PLAY PHYSICAL BACK”
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson addresses the double standard in his physical play, which led to him fouling out in Game 2 of the #PBA2025 Commissioner’s Cup semis 🏀
📹 Justine Bacnis/Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/2YPNpZqLOo
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 28, 2025
