In the world of modern basketball, TNT proved that the phrase "defense wins championship" can still be upheld.
With the loss of star guard Mikey Williams and disappointing finishes in the most recent conferences, there were doubts about whether TNT could repeat as champions of the Governors' Cup. But Rondae-Hollis Jefferson's return was the one reason to still believe in this team.
After getting injured in his most recent stint with TNT in the last Commisioners' Cup, defending the Governors' Cup title gave Hollis-Jefferson added motivation. He was determined to make a strong comeback -- knowing that every game could impact not only his reputation but also the team's overall performance.
"Any time when you have a stint where you don't play well, you always want to come back [and] do your best. I was always told that they remember you by your last game. Luckily, my last game [this conference] ended in a good favor," Hollis-Jefferson said in the aftermath of TNT's championship.
Hollis-Jefferson posted impressive all-around numbers of 26.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 stocks (steals + blocks) in 43 minutes of action per game. It ultimately gave him the Best Import award because of his production and all the intangibles he brought.
With Hollis-Jefferson as the anchor, TNT turned into a defensive juggernaut and finished with a league-best 8-2 record. According to InStat, TNT had the best defensive rating of 81.2 points per 100 possessions. They forced the opposition to only 0.67 and 0.91 points per possession (PPP) on catch-and-shoots and pick-and-pops. Both figures rank as the best in league. What's also impressive is that TNT protected the rim as well -- with rollers in the PnR amassing a lowly number of 0.75 PPP (tied for the best in the league).
"There's no secret to our game, we really pride ourselves in our ability to stop the other team," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.
Defense keyed offense against Rain or Shine
Despite all of that, there were still doubts about a whether TNT could make a deep playoff run. With the data provided by InStat, TNT ranked second lowest in this conference in offensive rating at 88.6 points per 100 possessions. They also had a loweffective field goal percentage of 49.7 eFG% -- a stat that provides a more focused perspective of how a team efficiently scores in the perimeter. Could TNT's defense keep them afloat and succeed against tougher competition?
The answer was a resounding yes. After TNT breezed past the lower-seeded NLEX in just four games in the quarterfinals, they faced a true test against fellow top seed Rain or Shine. Known for their ability to run in transition and a steady import who delivers consistently, Rain or Shine posed the ideal challenge to gauge if TNT had the strength to defend their title.
In a hard-fought five-game series, TNT displayed dominance on both ends of the floor, effectively forcing Rain or Shine out to more half-court style of a game. TNT's stifling defense forced multiple turnovers and became a key to their offense -- as they generated numerous transition opportunities, and capitalized on fast breaks to give Rain or Shine a taste of their own medicine.
It should not be forgotten how Rey Nambatac's addition to TNT helped. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 57.9 TS% against Rain or Shine -- all better than his elimination averages. Nambatac did not only play the starting point guard well, he also thrived as a floor spacer, scoring 1.29 PPP on catch-and-shoot situations per InStat. But what made his presence more vital for TNT was having flexibility at guard -- especially with an aging Jayson Castro having to be managed to be ready in big games.
Royal rematch
Even with a new rorster, Ginebra still had the legendary Justin Brownlee and PBA's winningest coach in Tim Cone on their side. And this time, they relied heavily on perimeter scoring. But if there's one thing TNT has time and time again proved in this conference, it's their defensive versatility.
Big men JP Erram and Kelly Williams ably kept up with Japeth Aguilar in the middle. With Hollis-Jefferson at the 5 and Glenn Khobuntin at the 4, it felt like Reyes had the answers to neutralize every Ginebra adjustment. The defense also made made Brownlee work hard for his points and limited him to his lowest output in his PBA career during this series.
Castro's availability to play at full strength going into the series might have been the biggest X-factor. At some points during the series, he looked like "The Blur" of old that dominated Asian basketball as one of the best point guards during his peak. This resulted in him becoming the Finals MVP, a remarkable feat in the twilight of his great career.
"Sobrang special kasi nandoon na ako sa latter part na ilang years na lang sa career [ko]. Pero 'yun nga, sabi ko naman sa management and sa mga teammate ko, hangga't andito ako ibibigay ko 'yung best ko," Castro said about winning the Finals MVP.
On the forefront of TNT's success was Reyes. With the scrutiny he has gone through his previous coaching stints, being able to get the title for his team and winning over his good pal made him feel vindicated.
"All of the challenges and difficulties I went through in the past were opportunities for me to learn and grow. After all that, to be back here and win a championship with this group of guys is incredibly satisfying," Reyes said when asked how he felt about winning his first title since returning to TNT.
TNT's championship win embodies the power of defense and adaptability as cornerstones of basketball success -- even in an era focused on high-octane offense. Guided by Hollis-Jefferson's leadership, strategic contributions from key players, and a team-wide commitment to defensive discipline, TNT overcame every obstacle in their path.
This title is far more than a win; it's a testament to the team's unwavering identity, hard work, and belief in their defensive principles.