Pushed to the limit, TNT credits Phoenix as perfect finals test

TNT Tropang Giga’s return to the PBA Philippine Cup finals after 7 long years was by no means an easy road to go through.

As expected, the Phoenix Fuel Masters pushed their semifinal foes to the limit, all thanks to superstar talents like Matthew Wright and Calvin Abueva.

It took 5 games – the first 4 of which were decided by an average margin of 3.5 points – before TNT finally escaped Phoenix’s grasp, and head coach Bong Ravena is nothing but grateful for the grueling experience.

“[Phoenix] really made us better in every game that we played,” he said. “If you want to be better, your opponent must also be great. It really helped us a lot, so salute to them.”

Game 5 was the only game in the nail-biting series that was decided in double-digits, as the Tropang Giga took advantage of the misfiring Fuel Masters for the 91-81 closeout win.

“Because of Phoenix, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise also that we matched up against them because they helped us greatly, and made us better,” Ravena continued.

“Maybe we’re more ready in the finals now because we had a really tough time against Phoenix. That made us better. We’ll see.”

Sure enough, TNT will need all the advantages it can get as it will now face Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-seven finals starting Sunday, November 29.

Like the Tropang Giga, the Gin Kings also put their championship hopes down to the wire, as they were bailed out against the Meralco Bolts by a series-winning triple by Scottie Thompson in the final second of regulation.

Ravena knows that his team will once again be forced to deliver in the clutch moving forward, and as thousands of fans have seen throughout the semifinals, Phoenix was instrumental in whipping TNT up to shape.

“As I’ve said before, this team isn’t a pushover anymore,” he said. “They’re well-organized, and complete. You can’t leave anyone open. Anybody can shoot, and their system is great. You better watch out for them next season.” – Rappler.com