TNT coach Chot Reyes is convinced they're not yet playing at a level that could be considered as a contender.
He mentioned being beaten by 16 points in one quarter by an import-less Rain or Shine side the last time out.
And so their main goal is to work to improve their play, competitiveness and chemistry with import Cameron Oliver as they tangle with the NLEX Road Warriors Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 5:45 p.m. with Reyes up against Frankie Lim, a returning PBA coach who has had a stint with the Smart/PLDT franchise as team manager.
Curiously, the Road Warriors got to a 2-0 start in the conference then fell to back-to-back losses upon Lim's takeover of the coaching reins.
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NLEX topped Rain or Shine, 96-90, and Blackwater, 105-102, both under interim coach Adonis Tierra.
Upon Lim's entry, the Road Warriors went down to similar 111-97 losses to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters then the Magnolia Hotshots.
And aching for a breakthrough win, Lim and the Road Warriors could well be a dangerous assignment for TNT.
The Tropang Giga (2-1), nonetheless, set out as the favored side especially with Jayson Castro and Mikey Williams both back in play.
Castro made his conference debut in their 110-91 disposal of the Elasto Painters, with the two-time FIBA Asia Mythical Five awardee contributing 10 points, six assists and four rebounds just in 14 minutes of action.
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He certainly made his presence felt in those limited minutes, and later talked about the importance of making the most of every opportunity.
"Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataon, and given the opportunity, you have to give it your best shot. Sayang eh," said Castro.
"Move on na kami (after losing the Philippine Cup Finals to San Miguel Beer). Panibagong pagkakataon ito. Initial goal is to make the playoffs, then we'll take it from there," he added.
For the TNT coach, the first order is to get the team back to highly competitive form.
"We need to play a full 48 minutes and we're not there yet," said Reyes. (SB)
