TNT is facing the possibility of playing through the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals without one of its top players in Troy Rosario.
Team manager Gabby Cui disclosed that the 6-foot-7 big man not only suffered a dislocated finger on his left hand, but a scary back injury a well. This, following his bad fall late in the third quarter of Game Three Sunday against Magnolia.
“Spinal shock causing only 70% sensation on his left leg + open finger dislocation. Doubtful to return because may need surgery,” he wrote in a text message to Tiebreaker Times.
This marks yet another tough blow personally for Rosario, who has just recovered from a cut above his eye that he incurred in the semis versus San Miguel.
The 29-year-old got hurt with 3:02 left in the third canto. He crashed hard onto the floor following a bump by counterpart Jackson Corpuz. The fall filled the DHVSU Gym with much fear and anxiety as he stayed on the floor for minutes before teammates carried him out.
The Hotshots forward, meanwhile, earned a flagrant one, leading to his outright ejection as he had picked up a technical earlier.
He actually popped his pinkie back into place as soon as he sat on the bench. But he never returned to the game that proved so tough for him, since he was saddled by foul trouble early, having been whistled thrice in the first half — twice in the opening period alone.
His Tropang Giga lost, 106-98.
Rosario has been averaging 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this conference.
