TNT is on the verge of a finals berth in the pivotal Game 5 of its PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup battle with Rain or Shine on Friday, Oct. 18.
TNT aims to punch its return ticket to the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup championship stage as it takes on Rain or Shine in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal contest at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Oct. 18.
The Tropang Giga is ahead, 3-1, after narrowly escaping the Elasto Painters in Game 4 via an 81-79 victory.
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was a force throughout the series so far. Hollis-Jefferson posted a stellar all-around performance of 23 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, five steals and five blocks. His highlight dunk in the last 37 seconds sealed the win, pushing TNT one game closer to its goal of protecting its throne.
[RELATED STORY: Chot Reyes says TNT 'fought hard' vs Rain or Shine's 'great game plan' for 3-1 semis lead]
The Tropang Giga secured Games 1 (90-81) and 2 (108-91), before Rain or Shine fought back in Game 3 and prevailed, 110-109. However, TNT quickly bounced back, pushing the Elasto Painters on the brink of an exit.
Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana have also been instrumental for TNT, contributing 15 points each in Game 4, with Nambatac adding 11 rebounds and four assists, and Oftana grabbing nine rebounds.
Both seemed to deliver inspired play with their former coach, Yeng Guiao of Rain or Shine, on the other side of the court.
Veterans Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams returned to TNT, dropping a combined 13 points after nursing injuries. Williams, described by coach Chot Reyes as the team's primary import defender, is back in action after sustaining a calf injury in the series opener and missing Games 2 and 3 thereafter. Meanwhile, Castro just skipped Game 3 due to knee issues.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Return of Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams in Game 4 a big boost for TNT, says Coach Chot Reyes]
For Rain or Shine, import Aaron Fuller continues to carry the load, registering 22 points and 18 rebounds in Game 4. However, the team will need stronger performances from veteran big man Beau Belga and young guns Jhonard Clarito, Gian Mamuyac, Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut to stay alive in the series.
The Elasto Painters will also look to replicate the balanced attack they had in their Game 3 victory, where Santi Santillan, Felix Lemetti and Adrian Nocum provided able offensive support to Fuller.
But TNT is targeting nothing less than a win that will propel it to the finals against a Rain or Shine squad raring to fight tooth and nail to extend the series.
All eyes will be on whether TNT can get the job done or if Rain or Shine will find an answer to Hollis-Jefferson’s dominant play.
Match unfurls at 7:30 p.m.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]