The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
The PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup is only on its first full week, but TNT Tropang Giga are already making their presence felt with two straight convincing victories.
Led by balik-import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang Giga strung up two victories by defeating the Northport Batang Pier 101-95 and reigning Philippine Cup champion Meralco Bolts 93-73, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As expected, the 29-year-old American-Jordanian Hollis-Jefferson, who led the Tropang Giga to the 2023 PBA Governor’s Cup title, has a lot to do with it.
A six-year NBA veteran who was selected as the no. 23 pick overall by the Portland Trailblazers in 2015, Hollis-Jefferson delivered a masterful performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocks in the victory against the Batang Pier.
The former Arizona Wildcats mainstay followed it up with 25 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks in the Tropang Giga’s 20-point demolition of the Bolts and three-time PBA Best Import winner Allen Durham.
In a highly-anticipated duel with Durham, Hollis-Jefferson played exceptionally well in the pivotal third quarter where he scored 16 points alone.
The back-to-back victories were enough to put TNT in the early lead in Group A.
San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NLEX Road Warriors share the of lead in Group B standings.
The June Mar Fajardo-led Beermen posted an 111-107 victory over Phoenix Super LPG in their debut.
Three days after bagging a record eighth PBA MVP award, Fajardo came up with monster numbers of 37 points on 14-of-18 shooting and 24 rebounds.
Magnolia, Converge, NorthPort, and Meralco have also entered the win column. Only Terrafirma is still winless in Group A.
In other games, Aaron Fuller notched a double-double to lift Rain or Shine past Blackwater Bossing, 110-97, last Aug 20.
Fuller had 24 points and 19 rebounds for the Yeng Guiao-mentored E-Painters.
Meanwhile, the Road Warriors secured a victory for returning coach Jong Uichico following an 104-87 triumph over Blackwater Bossing.
Myke Henry delivered an impressive performance for NLEX, recording 31 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a block.
Barangay Ginebra has yet to play.
Phoenix and Blackwater remain winless in Group B.