RIZAL, Philippines – Rey Nambatac shook off his jitters and delivered a gem of a performance for TNT in the opener of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.
In the finals for the first time in his seven-year career, Nambatac flirted with a triple-double to help the Tropang Giga clobber Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series in Antipolo on Sunday, October 27.
Nambatac finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals as he bounced back from an anxious first half that saw him score just 3 points.
“I was feeling a lot of things entering the arena. To be honest, I was really nervous, especially during the opening [program]. I was terrified and my body felt weak,” said Nambatac in Filipino.
“But the good thing is I overcame all of those.”
Nambatac brought the Tropang Giga home as he fired 12 points of his output in the fourth quarter.
The Gin Kings were still within striking distance, trailing 65-75 early in the final frame before Nambatac scattered 10 points, including a booming four-pointer, in a 14-4 run that gave TNT its biggest lead of the game at 89-69.
“In the first half, I was overeager and I was still not able to find my rhythm yet. Good thing in the second half, I was able to get my groove and it continued from there.”
An NCAA champion with Letran, Nambatac reached the PBA finals at last after being acquired by the Tropang Giga through a trade with Blackwater in the offseason.
He has assumed the starting point guard spot previously held by Mikey Williams, who led TNT to the Philippine Cup title in 2021 and the Governors’ Cup crown in 2023 before he and the Tropang Giga parted ways.
But Nambatac shot down the comparisons with Williams, saying they play distinct styles from each other.
“Mikey is a legit scorer. He finds a way no matter the defensive scheme you use against him. With regards to my style, it is different,” said Nambatac.
“My goal when I joined TNT is to do at least 50 percent of what Mikey was doing. Then for the other 50, my teammates and I will just help each other.”
In a star-studded Tropang Giga crew that features a bevy of former and present national team players in Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Kelly Williams, and Poy Erram, Nambatac has figured out where he fits.
“My role here at TNT is to be a facilitator first. I’m done with my role as the go-to guy, as the primary option. With TNT, I’m happy with my role, and finally, I found the role that fits me,” he said.
Nambatac will be a marked man as TNT shoots for a 2-0 lead in Game 2 on Wednesday, October 30, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com