The TNT Tropang Giga are at a disadvantage as they face the Ginebra Gin Kings sans Jayson Castro, but coach Chot Reyes and his squad will surely find a way.
TNT has Ginebra figured out in their recent championship battles in the PBA.
The Tropang Giga disposed of the Gin Kings in two editions of the Governors’ Cup Finals (seasons 47 and 49).
But it is different this time when they tangle in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Last Dance.
Much is expected from Best Player of the Conference candidate Calvin Oftana (right) in the TNT Tropang Giga's PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals duel with the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Game 1 of the best-of-seven showdown for the crown is on Friday, March 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Tropang Giga are playing without Jayson Castro, who injured his right knee in Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinal affair with Rain or Shine.
But one cannot count the Tropang Giga out.
One Sports lists the keys that could help TNT make up for the absence of the superstar in their quest for their 11th title.
[RELATED STORY: PBA Finals: What Ginebra needs to do to beat TNT]
Draw inspiration from wounded leader, Jayson Castro
Time will tell whether or not Castro’s absence will be a boon or bane for Tropang Giga.
The Tropang Giga can either fail in filling the void left by the veteran or put up an even more inspired play for him.
[RELATED STORY: Cone says PBA fans lucky to witness Brownlee-RHJ rivalry: 'Just two special players']
Stick to defensive identity
Gone are the days when TNT would overwhelm its foes with firepower.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said time and time again they are now a defensive team, and history proves that works wonders for the Tropang Giga.
[RELATED STORY: TNT coach Chot Reyes expresses confidence in his locals ahead of PBA Finals vs Ginebra]
Against a stacked Ginebra side, TNT’s defense should hold up.
Calvin Oftana needs to do more
It’s about time Calvin Oftana proves he can lead TNT in Castro's absence.
Oftana, a Best Player of the Conference candidate, has shown that he could answer the call in the Tropang Giga's semifinal series against the Elasto Painters, and he needs to sustain that against a stacked Gin Kings side.