TNT won’t be changing much with its approach heading into the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals that commence this Wednesday.
The Tropang 5G are just focusing on rest and recovery, given how banged up they’ve been not only in this conference, but this whole season.
“Like I said the last time that I was here, our focus is rest and recovery for the next game,” said head coach Chot Reyes after their thrilling 80-79 victory to oust the twice-to-beat Magnolia on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Kasi alam ko na eh, na ‘yun ang mangyayari, patagalan na lang talaga because we know Magnolia is not going to give in. Same thing in the semis.”
The Grand Slam seekers managed to reach the semis despite losing yet another key cog in Brian Heruela, no thanks to a severe ankle sprain.
He got hurt during their first QF meeting with the Hotshots last Wednesday — specifically during the fourth quarter — and did not come back.
It’s a big blow to a team that’s already dealing with injuries, particularly in its backcourt, first with Jayson Castro due to a season-ending knee injury and then Rey Nambatac because of groin and hip flexor issues.
The 36-year-old Heruela sat out Saturday’s game, which TNT managed to gut out with a win to pull off a complete reversal against the Hotshots.
But they couldn’t breathe just yet. Rookie Jordan Heading played through a gimpy back as he’s yet to reach max health due to the said injury.
Even Simon Enciso has become a concern for the Tropa. The seasoned guard will have to work on his conditioning even more after suffering from cramps.
“Kailan ba magsa-start if ever, Wednesday ba ang first game? At least it will give us three days to rest,” said Reyes as the semis open at the MoA Arena.
“Hopefully not only Jordan but even Brian Heruela, and even si Simon Enciso nagka-cramps na rin; I don’t think he’s used to these high-pressure games eh, nakaka-ano talaga.”
Despite these woes, Reyes and TNT won’t use them as an excuse, vowing to stay as ready as they can be once the bell rings against Rain or Shine.
“We have to be ready. There’s no other way. Hahanapan na lang namin ng paraan,” he said.
“And whoever is healthy, we go with them.”
#WATCH: “DAMING NANGYAYARI SA AMIN, PERO LABAN PA RIN TAYO.”
Roger Pogoy shares how Coach Chot Reyes’ words fuel TNT’s fight amid injuries 💪
🎥: @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA2025 pic.twitter.com/mhOcRfdvTG
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 21, 2025
