MANILA, Philippines—When TNT needed leadership in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, the Tropang Giga expectedly turned to none other than Jayson Castro.

Despite coming off the bench, Castro facilitated the offense and played like he wasn’t 38.

Article continues after this advertisement

In coach Chot Reyes’ own words, Castro played “fresh” en route to the Tropang Giga’s 96-84 win over Ginebra, thanks to the roster management throughout the season.

2024 PBA Finals schedule: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang Giga

“The reason he’s playing at that level now is because he’s relatively fresh,” said Reyes at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The reason Jayson can play at this level is because of his teammates’ great games in the eliminations and even in the playoffs. We were able to preserve Jayson. If you remember in the semis, we sat him for one or two games because we really wanted to play him in the Finals.”

In 26 minutes of action, Castro didn’t force his hand on offense but still finished with nine points with seven assists and three blocks to match.

Castro only took six shots and made three from the field but it was his unselfishness as a floor general that pushed TNT closer to back-to-back titles.

READ: PBA Finals: TNT has Ginebra ‘figured out,’ admits Justin Brownlee

The shifty guard opened up opportunities for import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Calvin Oftana and Glenn Khobuntin, who finished with 37, 13 and 13 points, respectively.

However, if you ask Reyes, Castro’s performance wasn’t at all surprising. After all, the former Gilas guard has proven time after time that he’s valuable as a team’s lead guard.

“We all know what he can bring to the table. He’s just showing us his value as a lead guard coming off the bench and leading that second unit which is very important,” Reyes said of Castro.

Castro and the Tropang Giga shoot for a dominant 3-0 lead over the Gin Kings on Friday at the same venue.