Tenacious TNT battles through shorthanded lineup to eliminate Rain or Shine, securing a spot in the championship finals
In a thrilling Game 6, TNT Tropang Giga secured their spot in the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup for the third consecutive conference. The team achieved a hard-fought victory over Rain or Shine with a score of 97-89, setting them on the path towards potentially becoming the fifth team in PBA history to win all three conferences of a season and achieve a Grand Slam.
The game, played at the Araneta Coliseum on July 6, saw a depleted TNT roster due to the absences of Roger Pogoy (hamstring) and Kelly Williams (ankle). Despite this, the team demonstrated resilience and determination, with key contributions from several players.
Jordan Heading delivered a high-scoring performance for TNT with 29 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks off the bench, while Calvin Oftana added 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Rain or Shine put up a valiant effort, with Caelan Tiongson scoring a team-high 30 points and 6 rebounds. Malonzo, Datu, and Norwood scored 3, 2, and 0 points respectively for Rain or Shine, while Nocum added 11 points. However, TNT's depth and determination proved to be decisive factors in the game.
A scuffle occurred between TNT and Rain or Shine players late in the game, resulting in technical fouls for Khobuntin, Clarito, Ganuelas-Rosser, and Caracut. Glenn Khobuntin had a double-double in the win with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Aurin scored 13 points for TNT, and Mamuyac scored 9 points for Rain or Shine.
TNT's journey towards a potential Grand Slam continues as they prepare for the finals. The team will aim to join the ranks of the Crispa Redmanizers, San Miguel Beermen, Alaska Aces, and the most recent Grand Slam winners, the San Mig Coffee Mixers (now known as Magnolia Hotshots), who achieved this feat in the 2013-2014 season.
The table below shows the five teams that have won a PBA Grand Slam:
| Team | Notable Grand Slam Year(s) | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------| | Crispa Redmanizers | 1976, 1983 | | San Miguel Beermen | 1989, 1999 | | Alaska Aces | 1996 | | San Mig Coffee Mixers | 2013-2014 | | TNT Tropang Giga | Attempting in 2025 (rare Grand Slam) |
As TNT Tropang Giga continues their quest for a Grand Slam, basketball fans eagerly await the finals and the potential for history to be made.
In the face of missing key players, TNT Tropang Giga utilized their depth and resilience to excel in a basketball match, playing against Rain or Shine. Jordan Heading led the team with a high-scoring performance, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana provided essential contributions off the bench, showcasing their skills in the sport of basketball.
