TNT’s humongous import Joshua Smith had yet another productive game for TNT KaTropa, scoring 35 points and 13 boards while dominating the paint against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game One of their best-of-five Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series.
Smith made his presence felt despite coming off the bench–a rarity for imports.
But the burly reinforcement doesn’t mind not coming in as a starter as long as he helps his team win.
“To be honest, it’s up to the coach. If coach tells me to start or come off the bench, I’ll just do whatever he says,” Smith said.
Coach Nash Racela was coy about TNT’s strategy on Smith when asked by sportswriters.
“I don’t know if it’s part of the plan. Sometimes when you say it’s part of the plan, it just came out like you’re feeling something,” Racela said. “It might be a game plan or it might not be a game plan. We benefitted from doing that and we might continue to do that.”
Regardless of his role, Smith said he will still give his all to help TNT achieve its mission.
“It’s the playoffs,” he said. “It’s win or go home. You’re playing against the top teams and you’re playing against the crowd. You just have to come here and have some confidence, be aggressive.”
