#PBA2015 Commish Cup Finals Game 4 Preview: GAME 4: TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS vs RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS – LABAN NG MGA PALABAN

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It seems that with every game, this series is increasing its intensity and physicality. There was Ivan Johnson bumping coach Yeng in Game 1, and now Johnson gives Paul Lee something to remember by hitting him with an elbow that knocked the Angas ng Tondo’s pearly whites out of their sockets. We should expect that both teams will continue to be palaban as the series progresses.

TNT has its back against the wall now, especially after momentum has seemingly swung the other way. ROS has now won back-to-back against TNT, and they seem to be the more confident crew. Can TNT regain its lost toughness and swagger in order to tie this series, or will they sink into an almost insurmountable 1-3 hole?

Here are the things to watch in this game:

1. WILD WILD WAYNE

Without a doubt, the best player of Game 3 was ROS import Wayne Chism. Much has been said about maybe Ivan Johnson, Josh Davis, or Denzel Bowles being the favorites to be Best Import, but Wayne Chism has quietly snuck into that conversation, too. And after dropping huge numbers in Game 3? Chism may just have the inside track to copping the Best Import plum. The question is consistency. Can Chism sustain such a high level of production as ROS tries to clinch the conference title?

Stats before Game 3: 26.5ppg, 14.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, 1.1bpg, 2.3 triples per game, 48.9 FG%

Game 3 stats: 32pts, 15rebs, 3asts, 3stls, 2blks, 3 triples, 66.7 FG%

2. TOOTHLESS AGGRESSION

One of the big stories from Game 3, of course, was Paul Lee getting elbowed by Ivan Johnson in the third quarter. As he was driving to the basket, Johnson hit Lee square on the kisser with his right elbow, which resulted in Lee’s losing a front tooth and getting two others stuck in. Despite that, Lee returned to the game, stayed aggressive, and still ended up with 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Needless to say, he has no plans of missing Game 4.

Finals stats: 16.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.3apg, 2.7 triples per game, 53.3 3pt%, 50.0 FG%

“Sinabi ko nga dati, kahit anong mangyari sa amin babalik ako, kahit masaktan ako babalik ako,” Lee said after the game. “Gusto kong manalo.” (quote credit goes to Rey Joble/Interaksyon)

3. WALLS OF JERICHO

One guy who stepped up big time was seldom-used guard Jericho Cruz. Cruz, the 9th overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft, had only played in 8 of the team’s previous 17 games before being part of the starting unit here and unloading one of his best games as a pro. In under 20 minutes, Cruz recorded 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 triples, helping the Painters neutralize the production of TNT’s explosive backcourt. If Cruz can continue providing quality minutes for ROS, they should be in good shape to take Game 4.

Cruz stats before Game 3: 4.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 0.8apg, 0.5 triples per game, 30.3 FG%

Game 3: 14pts, 3rebs, 2asts, 2 triples, 42.9 FG%

4. FIESTA OF TRIFECTAS

It rained threes on TNT in Game 3. Whereas TNT was the one hitting more triples in the first two games, ROS turned the tables in this one. The Painters rode the hot hands of Chism, Lee, Cruz, and Beau Belga, each of whom hit at least 2 three-pointers in Game 3. ROS averaged only under 11 triples per game entering Game 3, but they went over that threshold to drain 13 treys.

3pt shooting: ROS 13, TNT 9

Chism – 3 triples

Lee, Cruz, & Belga – 2 triples each

6. IT’S GOOD TO SHARE

Another great thing ROS did in Game 3 was to have better ball distribution. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since ROS is the #1 assists team in the entire league, and if they can continue swinging the basketball until they find an open man, ROS should be in great shape in Game 4.

Game 3 asts: ROS 27- TNT 11

Lee, Norwood, Tiu – 5 asts each

Chism and Chan – 6 assists combined

7. INFAMOUS IVAN

Ivan Johnson put up great numbers, but he offset this a little bit by elbowing Paul Lee and continuing to be one of the most volatile players on the floor. He’s infamous for what he did in a pro game in Korea, and there are signs he may really just “explode” anytime soon. Johnson was TNT’s most productive Game 3 player, though, and if he can repeat that without the other antics, he may just be able to give the momentum back to TNT.

Game 3 stats: 30pts, 14rebs, 3asts, 11/20 FGs.

8. CASTRO’S CONUNDRUM 

Castro was criticized a bit for maybe dribbling too much and trying to take on the whole ROS team by himself. He has good court vision, but he hasn’t really been able to showcase that. It seems that TNT’s default play has been simply having Castro dribble the ball, wait for a screen, and drive to the basket. It can be effective, but because TNT hasn’t strayed from that formula this season, it can also be predictable. Should Castro pass more and take fewer shots?

Stats in Games 1 & 2: 29.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5 spg, 47.4 FG%

Game 3: 20pts, 5rebs, 4asts, 4 turonvers, 38.1 FG%

9. OUT-BENCHED

Once again, the ROS bench came to play, scoring 39 big points as opposed to just 10 markers from TNT. Coach Yeng’s shock-troopers included Paul Lee, Jericho Cruz, Gabe Norwood, Chris Tiu and many more. If the Painters’ reserves can continue playing at a very high level, this could be a long night for TNT. On the other hand, TNT needs to get more back-ups involved. Otherwise, they may sink even deeper into trouble.

Bench scoring: TNT 20, ROS 39

Lee – 17pts

JR Quiñahan – 9pts,

Chris Tiu – 6pts

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