The TNT Tropang Giga and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters have gotten off to hot starts inside the PBA “bubble.”
However, only one team will keep its immaculate slate once Monday ends after the two teams clash in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports & Cultural Sports Arena in Pampanga.
TNT currently holds a 3-0 (win-loss) slate, thanks to explosive performances from Cebuano RR Pogoy, Bobby Ray Parks and Poy Erram along with steady contributions from Jayson Castro and Troy Rosario.
Phoenix, on the other hand, has been equally as lethal, winning two straight games, thanks to the stellar play of Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins. However, head coach Topex Robinson refuses to dwell on their shiny record, instead harping that the team’s growth is more important.
"We could be 0-2, we could be 0-2. It doesn't matter to us because we just wanted to grow as a team," said Robinson, who was installed as head coach right before the season started after the team opted not to renew the contract of previous head coach Louie Alas.
"We reminded each other we're not a team yet. We're just a group of gifted individuals playing the game of basketball and we're in the best position to be the team that we wanted to be, and it's going to take a lot of sacrifices," he added.
Wright started the season on fire, going for 36 points in their 116-98 rout of the Meralco Bolts. Perkins then posted a career-high 31 points on top of 12 rebounds in their 110-105 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier.
For TNT, it remains to be seen whether Pogoy will be able to play after he suffered a sprained ankle in their last game against San Miguel, where he landed on the foot of guard Gelo Alolino while attempting a jumper. (JNP)