Whatever the result, Game 7 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals will be a match to remember for TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The three-time Best Import winner looks forward to experiencing his first-ever professional career best-of-seven series decider against Barangay Ginebra for all the marbles.
Game 7 of the two proud franchises’ second straight championship showdown this season was being played as of press time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former National Basketball Association (NBA) player was actually in the lineup of the Toronto Raptors when they faced the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2020 Eastern Conference semifinals. Hollis-Jefferson, however, did not get to see action in the decider that went the Celtics’ way.
“Even in the NBA, I didn’t make it to a Game 7,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who’s on the hunt for a third championship with TNT.
But the 30-year-old naturalized Jordanian won’t be riding the bench this time as he is expected to go all out to deliver the Tropang Giga’s second straight title of the season and the ballclub’s 11th championship overall.
Hollis-Jefferson was instrumental in the Game 6 equalizer, finishing with 29 points including two charities to ice the game, 13 rebounds and six assists in an 87-83 victory last Wednesday.
“I’ve never been into a Game 7, but it’s basketball at the end of the day. Do-or-die for both sides. Win or go home. (Just) give everything and show up at the end of the day,” he said.
Hollis-Jefferson’s presence and production will be crucial against a formidable rival coached by a grizzled tactician in Tim Cone, who has not lost a Game 7 in 13 years.
Cone has been a master of Game 7s, winning eight of the 10 times his squad went on a winner-take-all.
But Hollis-Jefferson, just like the rest of the Tropang Giga, is unfazed.
“I think I’m ready. I have my mindset, to come in and give my all. Fight like always to help us win. That’s gonna be the mindset,” he said.