AN OPENING day win and a second straight victory. Those have already been pulled off by NLEX under coach Yeng Guiao.
But not a 2-0 start and that is what the Road Warriors would be gunning for when they tackle the KIA Picanto Saturday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
An NLEX follow-up to its 112-104 victory over Alaska last Wednesday would give it at least a share of the lead, something it has never pulled off since Guiao assumed his post last October.
Kia, however, is determined to bounce back from a 105-118 loss to Phoenix also on opening day, at least according to shotcaller Chris Gavina.
"I told the team that adversity does not build character, it reveals it. We will reveal the character of our team tomorrow as we strive to get our first win of the conference," said Gavina, who gave way to former consultant Joe Lipa against Phoenix.
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The two-day break was also used by the Picanto to address the visible shortcomings against the Fuel Masters, particularly on defense.
"I feel we allowed Phoenix to do whatever they wanted on offense and never took them out of the rhythm of their flow on offense," admitted Gavina.
"Defense and rebounding is a mind-set that involves a commitment to multiple efforts, whether it be helping out on a drive, boxing out, taking charges, diving for loose balls. It boils down to how much are you willing to sacrifice to help your team win," added Gavina.
"I will play the guys who exhibit that toughness and commitment to give me multiple efforts tomorrow."
Those are surely needed against an NLEX team that wants to ride the momentum of now having won a total three in a row, counting its last two games in the Commissioner's Cup where it wound up 12th and last as in the season-opening Philippine Cup.
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"I can feel good vibes, that the confidence level is high," said Guiao after practice Friday, reiterating the need for his charges to maintain their focus.
"We don't want to feel too good about ourselves because we don't really consider winning one game as life-changing," added Guiao, who entered into some trades last May that drastically re-tooled his roster.
"But winning the first game in a conference is a big encouragement for us, especially since we had to make crucial decisions to compose what the team is right now. Siyempre merong pressure to deliver and prove that the big decisions we made are proving us right."
One decision that has been validated, at least in the first game, is that of tapping Aaron Fuller as import as he debuted with 30 points and 20 rebounds to go with three steals and as many blocked shots while doing most of his damage on the shaded lanes.
"I'm very happy also with our import," said Guiao. "We feel he is the import that we need, the right fit. His strong inside presence can create opportunities for our shooters to get open because he demands a double-team. That will create the balance that we need, which is an inside-outside game."
One area of concern Guiao singled out was the total 23 miscues his wards committed against Alaska, giving the Aces a plus-16 advantage in turnover points.
"The last game we had too many turnovers," said Guiao. "I feel that was one of our weaknesses the last game, but we also realize that's part of the first game adjustments. Maybe this time we can manage our turnovers a little better."
