TNT Tropang Giga big man Poy Erram during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Hurled every insult imaginable from fans and netizens following a series of meltdowns in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Poy Erram clapped back with a performance that pushed a series to remember to where it should be: Game 7.
Erram’s play on both ends provided cover for the stirring performances from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac as TNT played party pooper Wednesday night with an 87-83 win that shuttered Barangay Ginebra’s first crack at claiming the title.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 6
And after putting 14 points, six rebounds, plus the intangibles despite early foul trouble, Erram acknowledged the need to address issues that led to some of the outbursts that have been the subject of concern and ridicule, depending on which side observers are.
“Now I’m seeking help,” said Erram, who revealed that he’s having trouble dealing with the death of his father. “I can’t just say that ‘oh, I’m a man [and I don’t need help].’ I do need help.”
His vital contributions before 17,654 fans, most of whom roared in delight every time Erram committed a mistake, allowed TNT to gut out a win and force the championship showdown to a deciding Game 7 set Friday at the same venue.
TNT Tropang Giga in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Hollis-Jefferson also bounced back with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals, playing with the energy he seemed to lack in past games, while Nambatac scored 23 to continue his consistent play.
Calvin Oftana waxed hot early and finished with 14 points for the Tropang Giga, who also got a huge boost when their ailing leader Jayson Castro showed up at the venue for the first time since he was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Castro also visited the TNT practice on the eve of the contest at Moro Lorenzo inside Ateneo campus. The visit coincided with a heart-to-heart talk among team members who addressed the issues that showed in Game 5.
That game saw Erram getting into a heated argument with Reyes, who was upset with how the big man reacted over a miscue during a timeout huddle.
Erram also kicked some of TNT’s equipment as he went back to the locker room to blow off some steam in Game 2.
“We just told him to focus and shut off the noise,” said coach Chot Reyes.
Justin Brownlee finished with 22 points and almost led Ginebra back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to within a single point.
But Erram made three of four free throws, then forced Brownlee to lose the ball, that led to a jump ball.
Erram was also one of the keys in building that TNT lead that started when Nambatac knocked down a four-point shot at the end of the third for 63-62. Erram scored 10 in the fourth, including a corner three that made it 70-62 in favor of the Tropang Giga.
Afterwards, Erram was pulled for an on-court interview, with the arena boos eventually drowned out by the cheers of the TNT fans.
On Wednesday, Erram provided the best apology possible. INQ
