The TNT Tropang 5G are in a bit of a slump. After winning their conference debut in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the Tropang 5G have lost their last two games, with the latest defeat coming at the hands of the Terrafirma Dyip. 

TNT don’t have the worst record in their group and even in the league at the moment, but their last two losses came against the squad with the worst record in the conference as of this writing and a franchise that has long been associated with losing. That in itself could pose some concerns even with more than a handful of games left to play in their group. 

It’s clear that the Tropang 5G are missing Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Jayson Castro, but the roster remains competitive thanks to the likes of Jordan Heading, RR Pogoy, and Rey Nambatac. They’ve been doing an admirable job in holding the fort, but as of now it’s not enough. 

The missing link may be in their import, Darius Days, who has only converted on 10 of his 30 field goal attempts in both of TNT’s losses. PBA imports in this day and age are not exactly asked to drop 40 points every game, but they have to be a boost and not weigh down the team’s offense. This isn’t to say he’s not trying, but the Tropang 5G have been unable to capitalize on some much needed wins before the tougher portions of their schedule take place. Days has often been reliant on his 3-point shot, which has been hit and miss the last two games. Once teams figured out his dependence on the perimeter, it was easier to attack, especially when they had the personnel to turn it into easier opportunities on the other end. 

Days will likely be with TNT for the next week, as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will return by August. Patience will be key for the Tropang 5G both in games and in the long run, as we’ve seen how losing one’s composure led to the ejection of TNT head coach Chot Reyes. There’s a lot of games left for the Tropang 5G to bounce back and we’ve seen them go on long winning runs on the way to championships. Time is still on their side, as they only have one game this week, which should allow their current roster to rest and recover while they await the return of some of their peers. 

Nonetheless, this isn’t the TNT Tropang 5G many are accustomed to seeing. The wear and tear has been more evident and some teams well below their league have caught up to them while they continue to lick their wounds. However, all is not lost for the Tropang 5G because of the resources they have at their disposal. It only depends on how they utilize these to navigate what could be their toughest yet equally rewarding stretch this season.