TNT shut off noise, stayed intact in Game 6

MANILA, Philippines — The TNT Tropang Giga salvaged their championship hopes in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals despite circulating talks about the team’s dysfunction.

Coach Chot Reyes admitted, however, that he and Erram did not address the emotional turmoil from Game 5.

“We had our regular team meeting. We did not need to address it because that’s the level of trust in our team. That’s our depth. And if we get on each other’s nerves, magsigawan kami. Eh mga magkakapatid nga, mga magkakapamilya nagkakasigawan, nag-aaway. But that does not mean they’re going to break up as a family.”

“I wasn’t aware kung ano yun usap-usapan because I don’t read those things. I just stay focused on the task at hand. Kung ano man yun usap-usapan sa labas, that has very little value to us,” added Reyes when asked about how he dealt with the rumors of internal conflict spreading within his team.

While Reyes downplayed the incident, he said they reminded Erram of his importance in the series.

“We just told Poy to focus on shutting off the noise. I told him of all our players in the series, he was the one with the highest plus minus. In effort charge, pinakamataas si Poy, but we need him on the floor.”

TNT also benefited from Reyes giving his players a one-day off from practice last Monday.

“Sometimes it’s a good idea to stepback. I felt that the pressure was getting to us,” explained Reyes on wanting his players to cool off heading into a do-or-die contest.

Reyes’ approach seemed to work as Erram displayed his best performance of the series.

The Tropang Giga Center notched 14 points and six rebounds, including timely baskets in the fourth quarter to halt Ginebra’s runs. Erram also grabbed the most crucial rebound of the game off a Rondae Hollis-Jefferson missed free throw with 9.0 seconds remaining. The extra possession allowed Jefferson to make two free throws to extend their lead to four, 87-83.

“I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. I’ve been a distraction to the team and everyone knows it. Gusto ko lang bumawi sa team,” said Erram after responding in their Game 6 triumph.