Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals arrives with more than just a series lead on the line, it carries the weight of constant adjustments and shifting import dynamics between TNT Tropang 5G and Meralco Bolts.
Set Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the matchup sees TNT holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, despite a turbulent stretch that saw them play without an import and still emerge with a crucial Game 3 escape act.
Even in adversity, TNT proved its resilience. Stripped of an import following the season-ending injury to Bol Bol during a prior outing, the Tropang 5G absorbed a 76-87 defeat that briefly tied the series before responding with a narrow but vital 77-75 victory last Sunday.
That Game 3 win was defined by composure rather than comfort as RR Pogoy delivered the decisive moment, drilling a go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds after Chris Newsome briefly gave Meralco a late 75-74 edge.
The Bolts had one last chance to extend the game, but missed close-range attempts sealed their fate and handed TNT a hard-earned series lead.
Now, both teams enter Game 4 with significantly altered arsenals. TNT is set to welcome back former San Miguel import Chris McCullough, a familiar presence in the conference who previously powered a championship run in 2019.
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While he stands shorter than the injured Bol Bol, McCullough’s inside-out versatility and experience are expected to provide TNT with both stability and scoring balance.
On the other side, Meralco is responding with a major gamble of its own, bringing in new import Patrick Gardner to replace Marvin Jones after a difficult stretch in the series.
Jones had been productive statistically with 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, but efficiency issues and inconsistent finishing mirrored Meralco’s broader offensive struggles. The Bolts now hope Gardner’s size and presence can provide a different dimension immediately in his PBA debut.
Still, the biggest challenge may not be the imports themselves — but how the locals adapt around them.
For Meralco, Chris Newsome has carried much of the offensive burden, averaging 15 points per game, while support from CJ Cansino, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Chris Banchero has been inconsistent throughout the series.
In contrast, TNT has maintained a more balanced attack, with contributions spread across Calvin Oftana, Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and rotational support from Rey Nambatac and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
With both teams introducing new imports at a critical stage of the series, Game 4 is shaping up less as a continuation and more as a reset.
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