MANILA, Philippines – Neither party anticipates a quick series or an easy assignment. Although they are preparing for a lengthy match, the TNT Tropang Giga and the Barangay Ginebra Kings will undoubtedly strive to perform at their peak in every match, including the contest for the 2-1 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The tone-setter can be the low-scoring, grind-out altercation from the previous time.

As they get ready for Game Three at 7:30 p.m., TNT sharpshooter Calvin Oftana stressed that the current series will be a fierce battle until the final bell.

He pointed out that since both sides are excellent at defense, the game would be defined by powerful defensive plays. He emphasized that the team that could implement a strong defensive plan would eventually control the tempo because the game was likely to be low-scoring.

Oftana emphasized both teams’ defensive prowess while acknowledging the level of competition. He clarified that every possession would be important and that winning would depend on making as few mistakes as possible. He also underlined the value of cooperation, saying that in order to obtain an edge, all sides of the court would need to execute with discipline.

Oftana understood that his side needed to stay focused because the series already featured intense physicality and strategic modifications. He said he was confident in TNT’s readiness and thought that the outcome would be largely determined by their defensive resiliency.

He emphasized the importance of poise and prompt decision-making as both teams strive to win the series. He reaffirmed that maintaining defensive energy would determine the pace and momentum, ultimately impacting the outcome, as every game offered a different challenge.

In the first game of the series, the Tropang Giga won 95-89, but the Gin Kings tied the series with a close victory of 71-70 in Game Two.

Tim Cone, the head coach of Ginebra, admitted that TNT will be motivated to recover from their defeat. Although he was happy with his team’s win, he acknowledged that they weren’t quite happy with their performance as a whole.

As the series heats up, Cone underlined the need for progress, especially on the attacking end. He anticipates that going forward, both teams would make significant changes. In the race for four victories, Ginebra is committed to honing its approach and upholding defensive discipline as each game gets more challenging.

Cone acknowledged that there was more space for development on the offensive end, even if Ginebra had a great defensive performance. In anticipation of an even more difficult battle in Game Three and the rest of the series, he noted that both sides would make modifications going into the next game.

In the best-of-seven series, both teams are currently getting ready for an extremely heated third game. In what has already turned into a hotly contested encounter, neither team is expected to let up with the championship on the line. While TNT is keen to retaliate with its own modifications, Ginebra knows how important it is to maintain its defensive energy.

Cone was echoed by Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, who reiterated that the defense would decide the series. He noted that Cone had already established the expectation that the fight would be defensive from the beginning, admitting that some wins would not be achieved by dominance but rather by sheer willpower and will.

Knowing that perseverance would be necessary to succeed in such a hard series, Brownlee emphasized the importance of embracing the trials that lie ahead. He understood that both teams had the potential to make significant changes that would make the game even more intense.

Both teams are focused in as the crucial Game Three draws near, knowing that every possession might determine the outcome. Every player is expected to give it their all in what is expected to be a demanding test of stamina, strategy, and execution because the series is still open.

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson believes that the series will proceed in this manner: “No quarters asked, no quarters taken.”