SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – TNT will definitely have the luxury of time after being among the early entrants to the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as it didn’t waste its win-once playoff incentive versus Alaska, Saturday.
The Tropang Giga blew out the sixth-seeded Aces with a 104-83 triumph, becoming the second team next to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to make it to the penultimate stage that commences on Wednesday.
With that, the flagship MVP Group franchise could better prepare for their next opponents, which will be the winner of the Phoenix Super LPG-Magnolia bracket that is being played as of this publishing.
“We have to be ready for both teams this coming semis. Buti na lang, meron pa kaming time,” said head coach Bong Ravena.
Aside from that, having a longer break will augur well in terms of recovery for the players, particularly for the main man Jayson Castro.
The 34-year-old has been dealing with a nagging calf injury, the reason why he had to sit out some games, including their elimination round finale versus Rain or Shine. He played versus Alaska, although for a limited time only.
Castro saw action for just 17 minutes and 35 seconds, but he was still of help as he made eight points, five assists, two rebounds, and two assists.
Prior to the playoffs, the decorated floor general had averages of 18.4 points, 5.11 dimes, 3.4 boards, and 1.7 steals in nine games he played for TNT, who finished with a 7-4 record and clinched the third seed.
“Buti na lang nama-manage namin yung playing time niya. Depende kasi dun sa nararamdaman niya eh,” Ravena said.
“Hopefully this semis, [since] we have time, maka-recover ulit siya and the others.”
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