TNT must rediscover its outside touch to better its chances of beating a reinforced and very hungry Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup championship.
Outside shooting will definitely play a big factor in the outcome of the best-of-seven title series erupting Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tropang Giga torched the Kings in the season-opening Governors’ Cup finals with 39.6 percent shooting from the three-point area or an average of 11.1 treys per outing in the showdown that was decided in six matches.
“It’s one of the things that we must focus on for us to beat Ginebra. We need to be on target in our shooting like in the previous conference,” TNT guard RR Pogoy said.
“But we’re ready, all of us. Hopefully, our three points will find the bottom of the net.”
Unfortunately for the Tropang Giga, they’re not particularly on target from long range during the semifinals against Rain or Shine.
TNT only shot 33 percent from the trifecta, reaching double-digit treys once with a 14-of-34 clip in the series opener.
Among the snipers of head coach Chot Reyes, forward Calvin Oftana has been the most efficient after connecting 46 percent from the three-point area during the semifinals.
“I guess we’ll just pray hard our shots will go in. Sana yung bola may anghel,” he quipped.
Oftana underscored the importance of getting their rhythm going from the outside to break down Ginebra’s defense.
“It’s important for our team to have a good percentage on our outside shooting. We rely on that. If our outside percentage is low or we take few shots from the outside it would be hard for us to win,” added the Gilas Pilipinas member.
“We’ll try to take advantage of it besides we practice our outside shooting every day.”
Ginebra, on the other hand, has improved a lot in hitting its triples after a dismal 27.9 percent in the previous finals.
The Kings were lights out from the 23-foot distance with an impressive 43.1 percent efficiency to raze top-seeded NorthPort in the semis.
Not only does Ginebra has been shooting with precision from the outside but the Tim Cone-mentored squad, looking to reclaim the Commissioners’ Cup title it last held in back 2023, is also sharing the ball well.
Led by three-time Best Import Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson and rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Kings averaged an amazing 33 assists per game in the five-game series win over the Batang Pier.