When TNT stepped onto the floor for the biggest game of its season, two of its most important pieces were already fighting battles of their own.
Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser suited up for Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but neither would see action as injuries forced the defending champions to navigate their most critical night shorthanded.
For Oftana, weeks of playing through pain finally reached a breaking point.
The TNT forward was sidelined by an infected right toe and a lingering calf injury that had steadily worsened throughout the championship series. Although he remained on the bench in uniform, head coach Chot Reyes opted not to risk further damage.
The absence was particularly significant given Oftana’s role in the Finals. Through the first five games, the versatile forward averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while often serving as one of TNT’s most reliable two-way contributors.
Signs of the injury’s impact were already evident in Game 5, when Oftana was unable to play during the overtime period of TNT’s 100-95 defeat. Days later, the physical toll proved too much to overcome.
TNT also lost another key rotation player in Ganuelas-Rosser, who suffered an ankle injury during the Game 5 loss.
The energetic big man had quietly provided valuable production throughout the series, averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while supplying interior defense and rebounding against Ginebra’s frontline.
With both players unavailable, TNT entered Game 6 facing more than just elimination pressure.
The Tropang 5G needed to find a way to extend their title defense without two regular contributors against a Barangay Ginebra squad carrying momentum and looking to close out the series.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
TNT Tropang 5g injury report:
Jayson Castro- PROBABLE (ankle)
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser- PROBABLE (ankle)
Calvin Oftana- DOUBTFUL (toe) (calf strain)
*TNT has the chance to make PBA History as the lowest seeded team (8th seed) to ever win a PBA Championship.
— McBlur
(@McBlur2) June 15, 2026
Instead of folding, TNT responded with one of its grittiest performances of the conference.
Behind a collective effort, the defending champions secured a 98-90 victory to level the series and force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.
The win not only kept TNT’s championship hopes alive but also highlighted the resilience that has defined its postseason run.
Now the focus shifts to recovery.
With the series tied and a championship hanging in the balance, Reyes said both Oftana and Ganuelas-Rosser remain uncertain for the decisive finale.
The TNT coach classified both players as game-time decisions for Game 7, leaving the defending champions hopeful that reinforcements could return when the season reaches its final chapter.
After surviving one elimination game without them, TNT now waits to see if its wounded warriors can answer the call one last time.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply