IT'S a closeout for TNT or Rain or Shine dragging the titleholder to another tiff.
After the two teams split back-to-back grind-out tussles, the Tropang Giga have got themselves in a position to go for the kill, and they're raring for the execution in Game 5 Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
One more win, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates will make the Last Dance, getting a chance to repeat the PBA Governors' Cup title run they achieved at the expense of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in 2023.
With their 91-89 victory Wednesday, the Tropang Giga have three cracks at progressing to the finals, the first one in Game Five Friday back at the Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo.
In barely surviving a tough test the last time out, TNT coach Chot Reyes, however, is not yet looking far ahead.
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"The finals are furthest from our minds right now. Our only thought is to prepare for the next game - Game 5," Reyes said ahead of the 7:30 p.m. fifth match.
Hollis-Jefferson said they have to stay locked-in.
They better be as the Elasto Painters are not yet about to give up.
With the kind of fight being dished out by his young crew, ROS coach Yeng Guiao is keeping a positive perspective.
"We still feel good about the series. It would be hard to climb back. But we're getting used to finding ways to win. Yes we're down but it could easily have been an even series. That's our perspective. It's positive," said Guiao.
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"We're enjoying the series as we're learning a lot. Meron pa kaming pwedeng i-adjust na makakatulong sa amin," he added.
Guiao acknowledges they just have one remaining option - that is to delay TNT's march to the finals.
They're clinging to that, hoping to keep the series going.
"RHJ is playing more than 46 minutes a game, high intensity. Kung ma-extend namin into Game Six or Game Seven, there's the possibility he might tire out. That's our objective," Guiao said. (SB)
