(c) PBA Media Bureau
Joshua Smith saved the day of TNT in game 1 and in game 2, San Miguel flexed their huge muscles in tying the game.To predict game 3, let us analyze one quarter from each game.
Game 1 - 4th Quarter
- The play in 1:25 (video time) showed how confident and familiar Castro is of the Beermen. It was not a total open lane but he did know that he is fast enough to reach the painted area and made a great outside pass. Now, his decision to position himself in the left baseline corner for an open shot is one of the many reason that he is the best point guard in Asia.
- Pogoy exhibited his shooting prowess. He hit an off-the-dribble three and a catch-and-shoot three. Just remember guys, he is just a rookie.
- TNT went all-in to Joshua Smith and he put up some damage. He got two shooting fouls. On the other hand, Ross showcased his playmaking ability by assisting back-to-back baskets to end the 4th minute of the game. The play at 8:12 (video time) was one of the best exhibit of creating a shot for your teammate. He broke down the defense and went for a shot before he passed to provide an easy basket to Fajardo.
- In 16:00-16:48, Rhodes feasted inside, pushing around the locals of TNT.
- Inside the 8:00 - 4:00 game time, Rosario altered two lay-ins by Santos. This is one of the undervalued trait of Rosario. If he keep up his attentiveness on defense, he may need to play more minutes for coach Nash.
- Other than going straight to him, we can further see the value of Smith on their offense in their back-to-back plays starting at 18:10 (video time) play where in his pick created an open shot for RR. In the 2nd play, they failed to deliver because Smith missed the easy catch. But, one thing to notice there was how open were the shooters on the opposite side.
- San Miguel was playing ultra-fast pace in the last half of the quarter. RR Garcia failed to connect on two pick-and-roll plays with Smith where he chose to drive. I ain't shocked about it because he is more of a shooter so pick-and-pops could be the better option.
- In the last few minutes, the effect of Smith on both ends of the court was prevalent. Of course, he got the winning shot, too.
Game 2 - 3rd Quarter
- How good is Chris Ross? Checked 1:40 (video time) play. From defense to offense.
- The defense of TNT was not in sync and out of hustle. in the first four minutes of the game.
- The quick pace of San Miguel was too much for TNT. SMB's advantage in chemistry and experience is becoming a factor as the game goes deeper.
- Check the play @ 10:36 (video time) and you will see the focus of TNT. SMB was trying to score fast and they ended up having a 5-on-3 advantage. When the last two TNT defenders, showed up, you can see a little pause by the two.
- @11:56 (video time) SMB exhibited a perfect defense against the Castro double-pick play. Double team and then a last protector in the rim.
- San Miguel is not only quick on offense but also on defense. You can even see Fajardo sprinting to the defense end during that quarter.
- SMB was double-teaming Smith. It works but with proper spacing and play-calling, TNT may over come that, next game.
PREDICTION
I am worried that this is turning to be a feast by the Beermen. TNT will need to overcome a lot of challenges in game 3, to win. How can they defend the fastbreaks of the Beermen? The defense of San Miguel is very discipline. What is the right adjustment to break that down? I don't think Smith is 100% already.
With all those questions for TNT, I am going with the Beermen for game 3. I expect SMB to put the ball more on Fajardo.
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