The TNT Tropang kept their emotions and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in check in Game 6 of the 2024-2025 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The anatomy of a meltdown was on full display in Game 5 of the 2024-2025 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals thanks to the TNT Tropang Giga. The shouting match between Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes and Poy Erram dominated the headlines following Game 5 and it wouldn’t be surprising if it contributed to their oncourt effort during the 73-66 loss to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
Many began to count out TNT for Game 6, especially given their penchant to keep things passionate to a fault. The Gin Kings were able to address their adversity, while the Tropang Giga still had to answer for theirs.
TNT surely had the right response with their backs against the wall.
The Tropang Giga were all business in Game 6, matching Ginebra shot for shot. Of course, the shots were falling, but execution and composure took precedence over any thoughts of immaturity. The steady play of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac kept TNT close and allowed them to pull away in the end with the championship series tied.
The Tropang Giga’s game is built on star power and their ability to create for others. TNT tends to lean on the former even when the ball isn’t moving and when it’s not, that’s when frustration sets in. Players become unhappy with the way things are run and the fighting takes their mind off the bigger goal, which is to win.
Ball movement will thus be critical for them, regardless of who scores for the Tropang Giga in the end. TNT doesn’t need to finish with more assists than the Gin Kings (although that will help), but keeping the ball moving will lead to open shots that will unlock the outside shooting that makes the Tropang Giga a dangerous team.
Five out of the six games in the 2024-2025 Commissioner’s Cup Finals have been decided by seven points or less, so the margins are quite thin. That being said, Keeping emotions in check in one game is one thing, as repeating that effort in Game 7 is another matter altogether. Erram has figured in spats during Games 2 and 3 and any similar incidents could give momentum to the Gin Kings, who will happily capitalize on it. Erram will thus need to do more of this and less of the chirping to his own coach.
The TNT Tropang Giga survived Game 6 and advanced to Game 7, where essentially all bets are off. Much of that contest remains up in the air, but the Tropang Giga can continue their PBA Grand Slam bid by controlling what they can control. And that starts with keeping their emotions in check.
