TNT Tropang Giga during Game 2 of the PBA Governors Cup Finals against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. -PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines—TNT may be two games away from winning its second consecutive PBA Governors Cup title, but that doesn’t mean Tropang Giga will take its foot off the gas pedal just yet.
After the team’s Game 2 win over Ginebra, veteran Jason Castro said he and the team are in no position to be complacent.
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Instead, they aim to take things one game at a time in hopes of winning the import-laden conference’s richest prize for the second consecutive season.
READ: PBA Finals: Justin Brownlee admits TNT has Ginebra figured out
“Really, we’re not thinking we’re up there,” Castro said after Wednesday’s 96-84 win at Araneta Coliseum.
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“Our philosophy is to take one game at a time. We will give our best in every game and whatever the result, as long as we give our best, we are happy.
Much of Tropang Giga’s success so far in the series can be attributed to their stellar defense that has held off the Jin Kings for two consecutive games.
After averaging over 106.53 points per game as a team, Ginebra was limited to under 90 points by Castro and Co. – 88 in Game 1 and 84 in Game 2.
READ: PBA Finals: RHJ masterclass gives TNT 2-0 lead against Ginebra
“I think it’s clear that from the beginning of the season, our focus has been on defense. Maybe that’s why we’re winning games,” Castro said.
It’s certainly helping Tropang Giga’s cause that their veteran guard is performing like he’s back in his prime years.
After scoring 14 in Game 1, Castro dropped nine points on Wednesday, but it was his passing that really kickstarted TNT’s offense.
With seven assists, Castro was pleased that his teammates were able to perform well with his passes, which will be lethal in TNT’s quest to “take it one game at a time.”
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“I am very happy because the core of the team is good now. Last year, we had a lot of injuries, but now, whoever you put in, their mentality is to defend, not even to score, but to defend,” he said.
