Rondae Hollis Jefferson leads TNT to a return to the PBA Governors’ Cup finals after ousting Rain or SHine. –PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines – As TNT booked a return to the PBA Governors’ Cup final, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson credited Rain or Shine’s efforts in making it difficult in five games.
TNT successfully defeated Elasto Painter 113-95 in Game 5 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo to finish the series 4-1.
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But if you ask Hollis-Jefferson, the victories don’t reflect the real story.
READ: PBA: RHJ, TNT back in finals after ousting Rain or Shine
For him, the 4-1 win was anything but easy.
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“I feel good. I want to give credit to Rain or Shine. They made me work for everything I have and it was an uphill battle,” RHJ said.
“We won 4-1 but you have to give credit to the guys who focused on me. Apart from tonight, I’ve had problems on the field. You just have to give credit to the guys who were willing to lead that effort.”
TNT Tropang Giga. –PBA PICTURES
In the Game 5 win, he found new momentum with an all-around game of 36 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and six steals.
Friday’s outing was just a follow-up game for Hollis-Jefferson after he posted 23 points and 19 rebounds with five assists, five steals and five blocks in Game 4.
READ: PBA: With defense focused on him, RHJ still finds ways for TNT
The Governors’ Cuyp Best Import 2023 offered the final return for the rest of the team outside of the players and coaching staff.
“This win wasn’t just about me or Chot (Resys), it was about the people who helped us, the coaches, the guys who aren’t playing and maybe aren’t doing so well, it was about them.” , he said.
The Tropang Giga await their dance partner in the finals, with Ginebra just one win away from eliminating San Miguel and setting up a showdown with RHJ and co.
But whoever ends up on the other side of that field in the final, you can expect Hollis-Jefferson to shoot the same way.
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“This (the final) is not the end for us. We want to be champions. At the end of the day, we know what we have to do. We’ll take this break, hold on and see who wins the other series. That’s ultimately what it’s all about.”