TNT's early entry into the Finals gives players time to heal

While the San Miguel–Ginebra series went the distance to decide the last Finals berth, the TNT Tropang 5G’s early entry into the championship round gave their players time to heal.

The last two Finals MVPs of the grand slam-seeking TNT squad will still not be suiting up. Jayson Castro (Governors’ Cup Finals MVP) continues to recover from a full-thickness patellar tendon tear in his right knee, while Rey Nambatac (Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP) remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, and Brian Heruela also dealt with injuries throughout the Philippine Cup, but all are possible to return in the Finals.

Oftana played through his injury, while Pogoy (hamstring) and Williams (ankle) missed the crucial stage of the semifinals, where TNT secured their ticket to the grand finale.

“Medyo bugbog na. Gamot na lang yung lumalaban (We’re all banged up. Medicines are the only things keeping us going),” Oftana said after Sunday’s 97–89 victory that booked their Finals slot.

Despite their injury woes, the Tropang 5G managed to outlast the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a physical six-game series.

Jordan Heading, who also suffered a back spasm, stepped up in their campaign—backed by key contributions from big men Poy Erram and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, as well as enforcer Glenn Khobuntin.

They also got solid help from the rest of the squad to keep their dream of completing a season grand slam alive.

“Hopefully, whoever we face in the Finals, we can play in an orderly manner,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.

Which team will be a tougher opponent for the Tropang 5G: Ginebra or San Miguel?