TNT win first EASL game since 2019

December 20, 2023 – City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex, Laguna, Philippines

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TNT Tropang Giga got their first EASL victory since the 2019 Terrific 12 after defeating Taipei Fubon Braves, 80-69. TNT were led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who scored a game-high 35 points. His brother, Rahlir, making his TNT debut, added 22 points.

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Post-game triple 

1. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson leaves game late

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With under three minutes to go in the fourth quarter, TNT forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tripped on a drive to the basket, crashing head-first into Braves forward Chan Fan Po-Yen, before crippling down onto the hardwood.

Rondae stayed down for several moments before being helped off the court. He was later sent to hospital to assess the condition of his neck and spine.

The star forward recorded a game-high 35 points before leaving the contest.

2.   PBA teams gain momentum

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After combining for a 0-6 record going into Gameweek 9, both Meralco Bolts and TNT Tropang Giga won their respective games the following two weeks.

Meralco beat B.LEAGUE champions Ryukyu Golden Kings in an overtime thriller in Macau last Wednesday to become the first PBA side to win a game this EASL season.

TNT, perhaps inspired by their PBA rival’s feat, followed up with this convincing victory over the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taipei Fubon Braves.

While Meralco still have three games in hand, TNT are running out of games to put themselves into Final Four contention. Talk N’ Text will need a lot of help from other teams to make the Final Four.

3. Brother Rahlir solid in EASL debut

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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was yet again the star in this contest. But his older brother Rahlir made a solid impact in his TNT debut.

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The brothers carried the PBA side, combining to score 57 of TNT’s 80 points in the game.

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The older Hollis-Jefferson recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a game-high four steals against Fubon.

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Rahlir was brought in to TNT after the departure of Quincy Miller to the B. LEAGUE and already looks a welcome addition to the team.

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EASL Player of the Game: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT Tropang Giga

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was a highlights machine on Wednesday against Fubon, with multiple dunks, blocks, and circus shots to wow the crowd before leaving with injury.

The younger Hollis-Jefferson recorded a double-double, posting a game-high 35 points, while adding 11 boards.

Rondae also played well defensively, recording three steals and three blocks to his line.

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Stat of the day

Forcing turnovers helped TNT record their first win. Fubon recorded 17 turnovers compared to just 10 from Talk N' Text.

TNT also capitalized on Fubon’s mistakes, as the PBA side outscored the visitors 13-2 in Points from Turnovers.

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson recorded a game-high four steals.

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Quotes of the day

TNT Tropang Giga coach Josh Reyes

On Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson's debut:

“We brought him in for chemistry and energy. So far, he’s giving both tremendously. We believe that the more he settles down with the squad, with the situation, it will be much better. But, so far so good.”

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TNT Tropang Giga forward Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson

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On playing with his brother, Rondae:

"First of all, it felt great playing on the same team with my brother. And I felt like I had to match his energy because he's been playing well over here for the past couple of seasons. So, I had to come over here and match what he was doing. And I think it's big that we got the first win in EASL. So we want to continue working towards the next one as well."

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On strategy for the next game:

"We gotta wait until we watch film. This will be my first time matching up with this team. But these guys have already played them. So I'm looking forward to seeing the film and seeing how those guys play."

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Next games

TNT Tropang Giga: Home vs. Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters (KBL) – January 24, 2024

Taipei Fubon Braves: Away vs. Chiba Jets (B.LEAGUE) – December 27, 2023