TNT chases Grand Slam after capturing Commissioner’s Cup title

 After clinching the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup title on Friday, March 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the TNT Tropang Giga now set their sights on the franchise’s first-ever grand slam.

TNT sealed the hard-fought seven-game series in dramatic fashion, with the final showdown extending into overtime. The victory was powered by the relentless efforts of import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Finals MVP Rey Nambatac.

Hollis-Jefferson led the charge with 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—maintaining his unbeaten record in three PBA Finals appearances.

Nambatac, meanwhile, delivered when it mattered most, dropping 22 markers on four three-pointers, grabbing two boards, and dishing out four dimes to cap off his stellar series performance.

Clutch Performances Propel TNT to Victory

Glenn Khobuntin emerged as another key contributor in Game 7, finishing with 14 points, including a crucial three-pointer in overtime that extended TNT’s lead to six with under two minutes left.

Calvin Oftana, despite struggling from beyond the arc (2-of-7), hit both his threes in the game’s most crucial moments. He also sank the final layup after RHJ was swarmed by four defenders, sealing TNT’s 87-83 win.

On the other side, Barangay Ginebra’s resident import Justin Brownlee put up a game-high 28 points and had a chance to force another tie with a four-point play attempt—but he misfired.

Brownlee also tallied seven rebounds and three assists but turned the ball over seven times.

With this loss, the Gilas naturalized star suffered his third consecutive Finals defeat—each at the hands of Hollis-Jefferson.

Japeth Aguilar tried to lift Ginebra with a solid 15-point, 11-rebound outing, while Scottie Thompson, the Gin Kings’ most consistent local performer in the Finals, posted 13 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and one steal.

With the Commissioner’s Cup title secured, TNT now faces an even greater challenge: completing the rare grand slam. But the road ahead won’t be easy, as they will be without two key figures who played pivotal roles in their previous championship runs.

First, RHJ won’t be available, as the upcoming Philippine Cup is an all-Filipino tournament.

Second, the team will miss the leadership and experience of veteran Jayson Castro, who suffered a season-ending injury during their semifinal clash against Rain or Shine. To make matters worse, Castro was also the Finals MVP in the previous Governor’s Cup.

Despite Castro’s absence, Nambatac proved himself as a reliable option, stepping up in crunch time during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Another factor that could impact TNT’s grand slam hopes is Poy Erram. The talented big man, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, is currently working on managing his emotions. If he can overcome these hurdles, he has the potential to be a dominant force in the paint.

Despite winning back-to-back titles, the Tropang Giga remain unsatisfied. The TNT management is determined to strengthen their lineup, knowing that they have a rare opportunity to etch their name in PBA history.

But to achieve the coveted grand slam, they must not only overcome Barangay Ginebra but also fend off the league’s 10 other teams—each of whom is retooling in pursuit of the season’s most prestigious trophy.

One thing is certain: the battle for the Philippine Cup will be nothing short of intense, and TNT is ready to fight for history.