Discover How Norwood PBA Benefits Your Community and Enhances Local Safety
I remember the first time I heard about Norwood PBA—it was during a local community meeting where Officer Miller shared how their boxing fundraiser had helpe
3 min read
I still remember watching that Game 2 showdown between TNT and Ginebra with my colleagues at the sports bar, and let me tell you, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Having analyzed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless rivalries, but there's something special about how these two teams match up. The final score of 95-92 in favor of TNT doesn't even begin to capture the rollercoaster of emotions we experienced throughout those forty minutes. What struck me most was how the game perfectly embodied that Enriquez quote about being "silent lang, pero alam mo yung kung kailangan mo siya, handa siyang mag-deliver" - a philosophy that several players demonstrated when their teams needed them most.
The first quarter set the tone with both teams trading baskets, but what really stood out to me was Mikey Williams' performance. He scored 15 points in that opening period alone, finishing with 28 points total, and his shooting was simply phenomenal. I've always admired players who can deliver under pressure, and Williams exemplified that Enriquez description perfectly - quiet but ready to deliver when needed. His three-point shooting percentage was around 45% for the game, which is impressive considering the defensive pressure Ginebra was putting on him. Meanwhile, Ginebra's Christian Standhardinger was putting up numbers too - 22 points and 11 rebounds by my count - but what fascinated me was how different his approach was. While Williams operated with quiet efficiency, Standhardinger brought that visible intensity that Ginebra fans love.
What really turned the game in my opinion was that third quarter where TNT went on a 12-2 run. I've noticed throughout my career covering PBA that championship teams often have these explosive quarters where they just take control, and TNT demonstrated exactly why they're defending champions. Roger Pogoy, who finished with 19 points, hit two crucial three-pointers during that stretch, and what amazed me was how he did it almost silently - no dramatic gestures, just pure business. That's the kind of player Enriquez was describing - someone who doesn't need the spotlight but delivers when it matters most. On the other side, Scottie Thompson tried to rally Ginebra with his typical all-around game - I had him down for 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists - but what stood out to me was his leadership quality. Even when shots weren't falling, he kept his team organized and fighting.
The fourth quarter had us all on the edge of our seats. With about three minutes left, Ginebra managed to cut the lead to just two points, and I remember thinking this could go either way. Japeth Agueller made an incredible block that should have shifted momentum, but what impressed me was how TNT responded. Kelly Williams, who's been in the league for what feels like forever, grabbed a crucial offensive rebound off a missed free throw that essentially sealed the game. That's the kind of veteran presence that championship teams need - players who understand exactly when and how to deliver, even without being the main scoring option. Statistics show he had only 6 points for the game, but that one rebound was worth more than any scoring outburst.
Looking at the bigger picture, this game demonstrated why I believe TNT has the edge in this series. Their depth is remarkable - they had four players scoring in double figures compared to Ginebra's three. More importantly, they have multiple players who embody that "silent but ready to deliver" mentality that Enriquez described. What worries me about Ginebra is their reliance on individual brilliance rather than systematic execution when games get tight. I've seen this pattern before in Tim Cone's teams - they're brilliant at adjustments, but sometimes they need that one player to consistently deliver in clutch moments beyond just Thompson or Standhardinger.
The free throw numbers told an interesting story too - TNT shot 78% from the line compared to Ginebra's 72%, which might not seem significant but in a three-point game, every point matters. I've always maintained that free throws win championships, and this game reinforced that belief. What disappointed me slightly was Ginebra's three-point shooting - they went 9 for 28, which is about 32%, while TNT managed 12 for 30, exactly 40%. In modern basketball, that difference is often decisive, and it's something Ginebra needs to address before Game 3.
As someone who's studied basketball analytics for years, I can't help but appreciate how this game balanced individual brilliance with team execution. The assists numbers were nearly identical - 22 for TNT versus 21 for Ginebra - suggesting both teams were moving the ball well. But what statistics can't capture is the timing of those assists and the psychological impact of big plays. That's where TNT's "silent deliverers" made the difference - players like Poy Erram, who only scored 8 points but altered numerous shots and provided crucial interior defense when TNT needed stops.
Watching this game reinforced why I love covering Philippine basketball - the passion, the strategy, the individual matchups all create this beautiful tapestry of competition. As we look ahead to Game 3, I'm convinced Ginebra will make adjustments - they always do under Coach Tim Cone. But what TNT has shown me in these first two games is that they have multiple players who understand their roles and deliver when called upon, exactly as Enriquez described. That quiet confidence, that readiness to perform without needing recognition - that's what separates good teams from championship teams. And based on what I've seen, TNT has more of those players, which is why I'm leaning toward them taking the series in six games unless Ginebra can find more consistent secondary scoring options beyond their main stars.