Ryan Reyes turned in a vintage performance as TNT dominated defending PBA Governors’ Cup champions Barangay Ginebra on Friday night.
The 38-year-old submitted 24 points on a career-high eight three-pointers, more than one-third of the Tropang Giga’s 21 shots from deep as their outside shot overwhelmed the opposition on the way to the 119-92 victory.
According to league stats chief and Tiebreaker Times columnist Fidel Mangonon III, the 15-year veteran is the oldest player to make that many triples in a game.
His output also equaled his most points in a game for the flagship MVP Group franchise. And, ultimately, it is his highest production in the last six seasons.
Photo by PBA Images
“Ryan hit eight out of nine, so we wish we could shoot like that every night,” offered head coach Chot Reyes of his ward.
“It just makes the game easier. But we know not every night is going to be like tonight.”
As pleased as he was with such an offensive outing, the champion bench tactician said that it’s only a bonus, for it was Reyes’ willingness to defend the opposing teams’ imports that really stood out for him.
Last Wednesday, the 3-and-D specialist was designated to guard the comebacking Orlando Johnson when TNT battled San Miguel.
And, yes, he did help to make it a long night for the former NBA cager, as he only mustered 12 points on 3-of-22 shooting from the field. The Tropang Giga broke away in the fourth quarter en route to the 96-81 win.
Then against the Gin Kings, he was assigned to stay in front of Justin Brownlee. The former Commissioner’s Cup Best Import only finished with 25 points and nine rebounds — numbers that aren’t at par to his own standards.
“That’s certainly a bonus. Ryan is on our team because of his defense. That’s really his main contribution.
“Last time, he guarded Orlando Johnson. Tonight, he was the main guy on Justin Brownlee. So every time, any time that he makes his three-point shots, any type of production that we get from him is a huge bonus,” added.
Still, Reyes lauded how the four-time All-Defensive Team member always stays ready for games as big as Friday’s.
“That’s just the kind of player that he is. He gets ready for the big games,” he said. “That’s why he is on the team.”
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