2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[Baofeng]

CJ Perez seems not on his usual playing level. Maybe because after all his effort he's not named as Best Player of the Conference. Just kidding. I also thought that TNT will now start to struggle after Jayson Castro was sidelined because of an injury that I hoped it's a minor.

The defense of the TNT is just good that's why they manage to lower the scoring of Perez. Let's take note that Perez and Manuel are the ones who carried the team in Game 2 but in the next 3 games, they aren't that efficient anymore.

On the other hand, the 2 Williams just exploded in Game 5 and it's a bit disappointing that SMB had what they called "Sorry Misses" meaning they have easy and open shots on the paint but can't make them.

Now the momentum has shifted, and TNT now has the lead. Having Coach Chot back really helped the team and even though they don't have Castro in the 4th quarter, players like MGR, Montalbo and Kelly Williams stepped up offensively and defensively. Just a one win more for them but I don't think that the SMB will just let them lose 3 straight and will force a Game 7.

It's not over yet, we have game 6 and I'm pretty sure that SMB will even the series. SMB are not lucky in that game, they have shots that are not falling although it looks easy, that's why TNT took advantage on that, also, I agree that the defense of the TNT were extremely good, reason why they have lots of stops.

No Jayson Castro, no problem.

Hehehe, when we thought that SMB will take this game over, Kelly Williams turn back the clock and lead the TNT and take the lead in the series. He drops 21 big points and almost had a double double with 9 rebounds. The Beermen has no answered, he trailed most of the game, try to get back in the last 3 minutes but it was not enough. Castro though, not sure if he can play on the next game, but a have a feeling that SMB will come back and force a game 7.

[1714781072]

1714781072

[Hypnosis00]

CJ Perez seems not on his usual playing level. Maybe because after all his effort he's not named as Best Player of the Conference. Just kidding. I also thought that TNT will now start to struggle after Jayson Castro was sidelined because of an injury that I hoped it's a minor.

The defense of the TNT is just good that's why they manage to lower the scoring of Perez. Let's take note that Perez and Manuel are the ones who carried the team in Game 2 but in the next 3 games, they aren't that efficient anymore.

On the other hand, the 2 Williams just exploded in Game 5 and it's a bit disappointing that SMB had what they called "Sorry Misses" meaning they have easy and open shots on the paint but can't make them.

Now the momentum has shifted, and TNT now has the lead. Having Coach Chot back really helped the team and even though they don't have Castro in the 4th quarter, players like MGR, Montalbo and Kelly Williams stepped up offensively and defensively. Just a one win more for them but I don't think that the SMB will just let them lose 3 straight and will force a Game 7.

It's not over yet, we have game 6 and I'm pretty sure that SMB will even the series. SMB are not lucky in that game, they have shots that are not falling although it looks easy, that's why TNT took advantage on that, also, I agree that the defense of the TNT were extremely good, reason why they have lots of stops.

No Jayson Castro, no problem.

Hehehe, when we thought that SMB will take this game over, Kelly Williams turn back the clock and lead the TNT and take the lead in the series. He drops 21 big points and almost had a double double with 9 rebounds. The Beermen has no answered, he trailed most of the game, try to get back in the last 3 minutes but it was not enough. Castro though, not sure if he can play on the next game, but a have a feeling that SMB will come back and force a game 7.

Also, his 3 point shots sink in, Kellly Williams decision to come back was right, he made the TNT a good team. I also noticed that the other Williams were playing well when Castro was sitting due to sprained ankle, so this team is really hard to beat as what they've shown.

[Questat]

In game 4, we still have the SMB as the favorite.

You can check your bookies now, SMB is -3.5, same spread we have in game 5.
Game 6 is a do or die for SMB, I hope they will even the series so game 7 is going to be more exciting.

[Fredomago]

I want to share some PBA news outside the ongoing PBA All-Filipino Cup Finals.

Matthew Wright now finally bid goodbye to his team, Phoenix Fuel Masters after playing for 6 seasons here. His contract just expired with the team and no renewal happened on which the Phoenix respects Wright's decision.

He was speculated to be signed to the Japan B-League team and that was a rumor even before.

Phoenix lets go of Matthew Wright 'with a heavy heart'

I was in the impression that after his wedding there would be a good negotiation between Fuel Master and whoever team that interested with his service, but seems that there's nothing happened behind and if the franchise let him go maybe that rumors of playing in B-League might be his next stop, rumors before after letting go of Abueva he already asking for a trade but it didn't push and he able to play another season for his team, now he's free and he can choose if what will be the future of his basketball career.

In game 4, we still have the SMB as the favorite.

You can check your bookies now, SMB is -3.5, same spread we have in game 5.
Game 6 is a do or die for SMB, I hope they will even the series so game 7 is going to be more exciting.

I'm hoping that they will comeback strong after that lost last game 5. They needed to play harder as it is a do-or-die game for them, they need to bring the ball to Fajardo and let him attract the defense. Lassiter and Ross should guide the young guns and show them how to play defense. It's not just the offense, but more on defense. Good luck SMB fans!

[Questat]

In game 4, we still have the SMB as the favorite.

You can check your bookies now, SMB is -3.5, same spread we have in game 5.
Game 6 is a do or die for SMB, I hope they will even the series so game 7 is going to be more exciting.

I'm hoping that they will comeback strong after that lost last game 5. They needed to play harder as it is a do-or-die game for them, they need to bring the ball to Fajardo and let him attract the defense. Lassiter and Ross should guide the young guns and show them how to play defense. It's not just the offense, but more on defense. Good luck SMB fans!

Yes, they lose game 5 and they cannot lose again, or else the series will be over. We all want an exciting series, so let's hope that game 7 is gonna happen. Game 6 will be Friday, so maybe game 7 will be Sunday, imagine how big the crowd on that day.

[Fredomago]

In game 4, we still have the SMB as the favorite.

You can check your bookies now, SMB is -3.5, same spread we have in game 5.
Game 6 is a do or die for SMB, I hope they will even the series so game 7 is going to be more exciting.

I'm hoping that they will comeback strong after that lost last game 5. They needed to play harder as it is a do-or-die game for them, they need to bring the ball to Fajardo and let him attract the defense. Lassiter and Ross should guide the young guns and show them how to play defense. It's not just the offense, but more on defense. Good luck SMB fans!

Yes, they lose game 5 and they cannot lose again, or else the series will be over. We all want an exciting series, so let's hope that game 7 is gonna happen. Game 6 will be Friday, so maybe game 7 will be Sunday, imagine how big the crowd on that day.

A perfect timing if TNT will not be a killjoy and end this series on Friday ahahha but kidding aside, is there's any update regarding to Castro? Is he available to play this coming Friday? I know that the new best point guard of PBA (Montalbo) is always available but I want to see Castro and how SMB will play defense against him,William and Poguy. These three guards are really a pain in the ass. They can create spaces to make a basket or pass the ball to a moving screens and make a basket.

SMB defense needs to adjust. I'm looking for Cruz and Ross to play longer minutes together. They just need more conversions unlike what happens last game 5.

[Yamifoud]

SMB defense needs to adjust. I'm looking for Cruz and Ross to play longer minutes together. They just need more conversions unlike what happens last game 5.

Exactly, they should play more minutes as they can play both defense and offense. CJ has to be efficient as well, he cannot repeat the same game he had in game 5, and we know that JMF can contribute a double double production, but without the supporting cast, SMB might likely to lose.

[Sanitough]

SMB defense needs to adjust. I'm looking for Cruz and Ross to play longer minutes together. They just need more conversions unlike what happens last game 5.

Exactly, they should play more minutes as they can play both defense and offense. CJ has to be efficient as well, he cannot repeat the same game he had in game 5, and we know that JMF can contribute a double double production, but without the supporting cast, SMB might likely to lose.

Perez only had 13 points, and worse is Ross with 2 points and Cruz with 6 points.

Those numbers have to improve in a do or die time, Ross is a great offensive player, but he cannot just focus on defense, he also needs to help on the offensive so the Burden of Fajardo will be lessened.

Manuel also had 1 point, which cannot happen again.

boxscores

[Johnyz]

SMB defense needs to adjust. I'm looking for Cruz and Ross to play longer minutes together. They just need more conversions unlike what happens last game 5.

Exactly, they should play more minutes as they can play both defense and offense. CJ has to be efficient as well, he cannot repeat the same game he had in game 5, and we know that JMF can contribute a double double production, but without the supporting cast, SMB might likely to lose.

They have to play as a team, game 6 is crucial and they should already forget about their mistakes before and focus more in game 6 because it’s already a do or die game. JMF needs help from their team, he can’t win this game alone so better for the coaching staff to active other players as well. They can play better, we know how good SMB is, and it’s really exciting to see them giving all out, SMB will still have a good chance here and I’m betting on them this time.

[chaser15]

Coach Leo Austria always depends on its starters. There are lots of players on their bench that can do damage but instead of using them, he always sidelined those players. How these bench players can be red-hot if Coach Leo will just give them 2-3 minutes of playing time?

That's why this coach is never seen as a good coach because he just relies on his rosters without a good strategy of shuffling those depending on the situation. Can't believe an old guy almost retiring Kelly Williams will experience again being a Best Player of the Game against the heavy San Miguel Beermen. There's a problem with SMB for allowing that to happen.

[jakelyson]

SMB defense needs to adjust. I'm looking for Cruz and Ross to play longer minutes together. They just need more conversions unlike what happens last game 5.

Exactly, they should play more minutes as they can play both defense and offense. CJ has to be efficient as well, he cannot repeat the same game he had in game 5, and we know that JMF can contribute a double double production, but without the supporting cast, SMB might likely to lose.

Perez only had 13 points, and worse is Ross with 2 points and Cruz with 6 points.

Those numbers have to improve in a do or die time, Ross is a great offensive player, but he cannot just focus on defense, he also needs to help on the offensive so the Burden of Fajardo will be lessened.

Manuel also had 1 point, which cannot happen again.

boxscores

I expect that to change today. They just had a bad night. I don't think these guys have consecutive bad nights. And they can adjust their offense to give these guys scoring opportunity. If cj and ross can score outside, this will give more space for june mar to dominate the paint.

Now that they are on do or die, these guys will work double time to extend the series to a game 7. And if castro is out, they may have easier time to win this game, hopefully.

[samcrypto]

Coach Leo Austria always depends on its starters. There are lots of players on their bench that can do damage but instead of using them, he always sidelined those players. How these bench players can be red-hot if Coach Leo will just give them 2-3 minutes of playing time?

That's why this coach is never seen as a good coach because he just relies on his rosters without a good strategy of shuffling those depending on the situation. Can't believe an old guy almost retiring Kelly Williams will experience again being a Best Player of the Game against the heavy San Miguel Beermen. There's a problem with SMB for allowing that to happen.

Coaching staff is very crucial, and I think they are relaying on the starters because their opponent is also a strong and they can’t afford to do any trial here especially in game 6, which is a do or die game for them. I also believe SMB has a good bench player and second roster it’s just that they are not able to give time for them during the semis. This is final already, SMB should have a better plan now to limit other players of TNT, and they should let other players to help JMF, he can’t do this alone better for SMB to play as a team and have a good defensive pattern.

[Shamm]

Coach Leo Austria always depends on its starters. There are lots of players on their bench that can do damage but instead of using them, he always sidelined those players. How these bench players can be red-hot if Coach Leo will just give them 2-3 minutes of playing time?

That's why this coach is never seen as a good coach because he just relies on his rosters without a good strategy of shuffling those depending on the situation. Can't believe an old guy almost retiring Kelly Williams will experience again being a Best Player of the Game against the heavy San Miguel Beermen. There's a problem with SMB for allowing that to happen.

Two willams are the top scorer in game 5 mikey willams is doing good also 3 point shot after a 3-point shot and that's the reason why TNT win the match. Beermen in game 5 are not a tough defender in the 3point area so it's easy for TNT to get points.
Without a doubt, Kelly Williams has to prove that he can carry his team even though in his age his speed and accuracy are still their.

[goinmerry]

Jayson Castro game-time decision.

Yesterday, he still feels the pain although the injured area is not swollen.

If unable to play, a necessary double-work for RR Pogoy and Mikey Williams as TNT's backcourt duo. Troy Rosario is also not yet fully utilized in this series and is still a missing link. He needs to wake up now as one of their main scorers, Jayson Castro might be sidelined tonight.

[blockman]

Coaching staff is very crucial, and I think they are relaying on the starters because their opponent is also a strong and they can’t afford to do any trial here especially in game 6, which is a do or die game for them. I also believe SMB has a good bench player and second roster it’s just that they are not able to give time for them during the semis. This is final already, SMB should have a better plan now to limit other players of TNT, and they should let other players to help JMF, he can’t do this alone better for SMB to play as a team and have a good defensive pattern.

It is indeed, Austria should have seen that happening already but never does an experiment for it in the early games. This time, it's really not a good idea to have a trial or experiment and there should be a solid strategy for him for the shuffling of his players.
I remember in the NBA during finals years ago and I think that was with the Lakers (no Lebron yet) that they used some bench players and maximized their potential and they did it correctly for allowing it to happen.

[harizen]

Without a doubt, Kelly Williams has to prove that he can carry his team even though in his age his speed and accuracy are still their.

Why expect an old guy to carry the team? Kelly Williams is just doing his usual role to help the team. It's just that his shooting is impressive that night and I think he even got surprised. That gives him momentum. He rarely shoots 3s now but last night, he attempted to do it.

Another slight disadvantage on the TNT side is that aside from Jayson Castro, Poy Erram is also experiencing a minor injury but he is cleared to play.

Other TNT cagers should step up in the absence of their working teammates.

[bisdak40]

Without a doubt, Kelly Williams has to prove that he can carry his team even though in his age his speed and accuracy are still their.

Why expect an old guy to carry the team? Kelly Williams is just doing his usual role to help the team. It's just that his shooting is impressive that night and I think he even got surprised. That gives him momentum. He rarely shoots 3s now but last night, he attempted to do it.

Another slight disadvantage on the TNT side is that aside from Jayson Castro, Poy Erram is also experiencing a minor injury but he is cleared to play.

Other TNT cagers should step up in the absence of their working teammates.

Kelly was just having a very good outing last game but it's not every game that he could repeat that kind of performance specially in a tight match and we expect to be a marked man tonight.

Troy Rosario should be the one to step up, seems to me that if only he will play well tonight, this might be the last game of the series even if Jason Castro will not play as they have Mikey Williams and Montalbo to man the point for them.

[LogitechMouse]

Without a doubt, Kelly Williams has to prove that he can carry his team even though in his age his speed and accuracy are still their.

Why expect an old guy to carry the team? Kelly Williams is just doing his usual role to help the team. It's just that his shooting is impressive that night and I think he even got surprised. That gives him momentum. He rarely shoots 3s now but last night, he attempted to do it.

Another slight disadvantage on the TNT side is that aside from Jayson Castro, Poy Erram is also experiencing a minor injury but he is cleared to play.

Other TNT cagers should step up in the absence of their working teammates.

Kelly was just having a very good outing last game but it's not every game that he could repeat that kind of performance specially in a tight match and we expect to be a marked man tonight.

Troy Rosario should be the one to step up, seems to me that if only he will play well tonight, this might be the last game of the series even if Jason Castro will not play as they have Mikey Williams and Montalbo to man the point for them.

He couldn't repeat it because it is not his priority. TNT is using him just to defend Fajardo. It's just that he has hot hands at that game that he is sinking threes and that surprised Fajardo and maybe in Game 6, we might see JMF stretching his defense to near three-point area because his defender has the ability to shoot threes.

With regards to Rosario, Manuel shut him down completely. He can't defend Manuel because he will just use his good footwork to him. Well, even though Rosario isn't playing that much, TNT are still in the lead right now. Castro's injury last game really is unfortunate but I hope that he will play in Game 6 because he is a good leader inside the court. A thing that either Williams or Montalbo or any other TNT player can't do.

I predict that this will go to a Game 7 and SMB will win. I don't know if I'm the only one thinking about it but if there will be a Game 7, it will be on Sunday and when it's Sunday, the arena will be filled with audiences because it's their day off. Many will watch on that game that's for sure. I mean it would be better if there will be a Game 7 but if TNT will end it today then it's also ok.

[jakelyson]

San Miguel lost the last two outings but they are still the favorite in the bookies. Handicap is -5.5, which I gladly take considering that Castro is doubtful to play this game. He can rest this and be back on Game 7 stronger. Or he can play this game and be a liability if he cannot perform 100%. I hope SMB come out with their guns hot in this game so they can match the scoring capability of Williams and co.

Here is my bet for this game. I am not sure about over but I hope there will be shootout in the 3 points area.

[Fredomago]

Without a doubt, Kelly Williams has to prove that he can carry his team even though in his age his speed and accuracy are still their.

Why expect an old guy to carry the team? Kelly Williams is just doing his usual role to help the team. It's just that his shooting is impressive that night and I think he even got surprised. That gives him momentum. He rarely shoots 3s now but last night, he attempted to do it.

Another slight disadvantage on the TNT side is that aside from Jayson Castro, Poy Erram is also experiencing a minor injury but he is cleared to play.

Other TNT cagers should step up in the absence of their working teammates.

SMB have a good start but TNT is slowly cutting the lead and now end of 1st half 13 point leads by the SMB, both are really showing an impressive game and they are giving fans the reason to enjoy, I was in the impression that it will be a blowout since SMB almost got that huge lead but Poguy and Montalbo shows that it's not done yet, they are pushing the game and making good offense.

Waiting for the 2nd half and still as a SMB fan, I will support them all the way!