2 days ago
8
Already have Rappler+?
to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
TAKE CHARGE. TNT guard Rey Nambatac goes for a shot against Ginebra in Game 7 of the PBA finals.
PBA IMAGES
Rey Nambatac cops his first Finals MVP after giving TNT a huge lift in the absence of injured veteran Jayson Castro as the Tropang Giga claim another PBA crown over Barangay Ginebra
MANILA, Philippines – Rey Nambatac stepped up in the absence of TNT’s last Finals MVP and won the same award for himself.
Nambatac claimed his first Finals MVP award as the Tropang Giga captured the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown following a hard-fought seven-game series against Barangay Ginebra that went the distance and culminated with an 87-83 overtime thriller at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 28.
With big shoes to fill after Jayson Castro — who earned Finals MVP when TNT ruled the Governors’ Cup earlier this season — went down with a knee injury, Nambatac did not disappoint.
The former Letran star averaged 17.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in seven games, backstopping import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
He finished with 22 points and 4 assists in the do-or-die Game 7, helping Tropang Giga beat the Gin Kings for the third straight time in a championship series.
Nambatac also figured prominently in the other games, pouring a playoff career-high 24 points with 7 assists and 5 rebounds in Game 3 as TNT grabbed a 2-1 lead then put up 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in Game 6 as the Tropang Giga stayed alive.
A valuable pickup for TNT after his trade from Rain or Shine last year, Nambatac bested teammate Calvin Oftana for the honors. – Rappler.com
How does this make you feel?
Loading
