Jay Washington has seen it all throughout his 15-year PBA career.

And his experience came in handy for TNT in its most important game of the PBA Philippine Cup as it outlasted Phoenix, 91-81, in their do-or-die tiff to advance to the finals.

Washington started and churned out 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, helping set the tone for TNT in the most lopsided victory of the best-of-five semifinals clash.

“His veteran presence showed up,” said TNT head coach Bong Ravena of Washington in Filipino. “He did not waste any moves.”

The 39-year-old saw limited playing time in the first 3 semifinals game, logging in less than 4 minutes in Game 3.

But after trailing 1-2 in the series and facing elimination, TNT decided to go on a different direction by inserting the two-time Best Player of the Conference in the starting lineup.

Washington did not disappoint with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal in Game 4 to help TNT force a rubber match.

He stepped up again in the knockout Game 5 with 8 first-half points as TNT seized a six-point halftime lead, which it preserved until the final buzzer to reach the All-Filipino finals for the first time in 7 seasons.

“That is what made the difference – that he was on the floor playing. He controlled the paint for us,” Ravena said.

Washington, a three-time PBA champion, will try to get his second title with TNT. – Rappler.com