Rondae Hollis-Jefferson embraces boos in PBA Finals: ‘I love it’

TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis Jefferson during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Game 3 against Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson bore quite the brunt of jeers from Ginebra fans in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

After two games of pure cheers for the former NBA player as the Tropang Giga took a 2-0 lead, Ginebra fans united on Friday to try and throw Hollis-Jefferson off his game.

Article continues after this advertisement

When RHJ was asked whether he was fazed hearing more boos than usual from the predominantly Ginebra crowd, his response was simple.

READ: PBA Finals: Motivation? Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has a lot of it

“Not the slightest. Not the slightest. I’m laughing inside,” said Hollis-Jefferson with a head nod.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It just gives me energy. It feels good.”

Hollis-Jefferson seemed to feed off the crowd reception as he finished with another double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds with seven assists, four steals and a block.

He, however, didn’t look to be in tip-top shape on offense as he sank just eight of his 26 tries from the field for just a 30.8 percent clip.

READ: PBA Finals: Tireless Hollis-Jefferson unfazed by heavy minutes in Game 1

TNT dropped Game 3 as Ginebra finally got on the board with an 85-73 win but the Tropang Giga still leads the series, 2-1.

The Jordan naturalized swingman, who played all 48 minutes again, expects the same treatment from the crowd for the rest of the series–and he doesn’t mind one bit.

“There’s not much to talk about. They paid money to come watch us play and if they decide to boo, I love it. It means they’re getting their money’s worth,” Hollis-Jefferson said.

“At the end of the day, it’s just fuel for me. I look forward to the next game and opportunity.”

RHJ and TNT look to gain a pivotal 3-1 lead on Sunday when they face the Gin Kings in Game 4 at the same venue.