ONE LESS WORRY
TNT heads into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, with at least one major injury concern resolved, thanks in large part to Rey Nambatac’s starring role in closing out sister team Meralco in the semifinals.
Nambatac poured in 25 points in Wednesday’s 99-96 win in Game 5, highlighted by a four-point shot that sparked a stunning turnaround. Down five, TNT seized a one-point lead in a matter of seconds, a sequence that also signaled that Nambatac’s lingering back and ankle issues are no longer a concern.
“It was a big thing that I was able to rest in the last game,” said Nambatac, who played just under three minutes in Game 4 three nights earlier. “It helped that we had a two-day break which allowed me more time to recover.”
The Tropang 5G wrapped up the series, 4-1, against the Bolts to clinch the first berth in the Finals, where they will face either San Miguel Beer or Barangay Ginebra.
San Miguel was looking to close out Ginebra at press time in Game 6 of their own semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, holding a 3-2 lead. A loss, however, would give Ginebra a chance to force a deciding Game 7 on Sunday at the same venue.
While the Beermen and Gin Kings settle their showdown, TNT is taking a cautious approach with its remaining injury concern—RR Pogoy’s availability for the best-of-seven Finals, which tips off next week.
Hint of reservation
Pogoy sat out Game 5 after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous contest and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain.
“Hopefully,” said coach Chot Reyes, though his tone carried a hint of reservation. “You know how it is with pulled hamstrings because that’s very unpredictable.
“It really is going to depend on how quickly he can heal. But one thing’s sure—we’re not going to rush him back. We’ll play him when he’s ready.”
For Nambatac, returning to the Finals carries added meaning. He was unable to suit up last July when TNT lost to San Miguel in the Philippine Cup championship series, sidelined by a groin injury suffered midway through the eliminations that kept him off the playoff roster.
That absence came just one conference after he was named PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player for his pivotal role in TNT’s Commissioner’s Cup title run over Barangay Ginebra.
Without directly referencing last year’s disappointment, Nambatac said he is entering this Finals with extra motivation.
“This is my chance,” he said. “It feels like I have something to prove.”
