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Tag: Chris Ross

  • “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    The TNT Tropang Giga continued to assert their early dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a commanding 118–92 victory over the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 28.

     

    With the win, TNT maintained its strong start to the conference, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline against one of the league’s perennial powerhouse franchises. The team set the tone early and never looked back, building a sizable lead that ultimately proved insurmountable for San Miguel.

     

    At the center of TNT’s surge is their high-profile import, Bol Bol, who continues to make a significant impact in his first stint in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league. The former National Basketball Association big man delivered another standout performance, finishing with 34 points and 18 rebounds in approximately 34 minutes of action. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and dominate the glass has quickly made him one of the most talked-about reinforcements in the conference.

     

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    Beyond the stat sheet, however, Bol found himself involved in a heated moment during the third quarter. The 7-foot-2 forward exchanged words with San Miguel veteran Chris Ross during a coach’s challenge on a foul call, briefly adding tension to an otherwise lopsided contest. While the situation appeared intense on the floor, it did not escalate further.

     

    Ross, who is currently sidelined due to injury, downplayed the incident in his postgame remarks, emphasizing that such exchanges are part of the competitive nature of basketball.

    “He said we were down 20. I said I don’t care. That was it, it was just a little fun. It’s a long talk, it wasn’t much. That was it. It’s always part of the game. We shook hands after the game, he smiled. It is what it is. It’s talk. I’m not gonna fight. I don’t hate him, he doesn’t hate me. It’s just playing basketball and having conversation,” Ross said.

     

    Despite being limited to a spectator role, Ross remained actively engaged from the sidelines, providing leadership and vocal support to his teammates. The veteran guard also took a moment to praise Bol, recognizing the value of having a player of his caliber competing in the PBA.

     

    “I just told him to stay healthy and keep enjoying himself, having fun. He’s good for our league. Having someone of his stature and his profile, it’s really good for the league. He’s a player. He’s tall, he can do everything on the court. He seems like a good guy. So it’s hard to tell when you’re not playing, I can only say what I can see on the sidelines. He just makes the game a lot more fun,” he added.

     

    Ross has yet to suit up in the Commissioner’s Cup as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained during the All-Filipino Conference. The experienced playmaker recently reached a small but significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.

     

    “I just got the boot off yesterday so I’m gonna start my treatments and getting my wind back. In the next couple weeks we will know more. We will see how it reacts to working and how I’m playing. We will see in the next week or two. Whenever I feel healthy, I will be back,” Ross concluded.

     

    While his return timeline remains uncertain, Ross’s presence continues to be felt within the San Miguel camp. Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and championship experience, he remains a key figure in guiding the Beermen through the early stages of the conference, even from the bench.

     

    As for TNT, the victory further solidifies their status as early contenders, with Bol Bol leading a balanced and confident squad. If their current form holds, the Tropang Giga could prove to be one of the most formidable teams in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

     

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  • Chris Ross addresses heated exchange with TNT manager Jojo Lastimosa in Game 3

    Chris Ross addresses heated exchange with TNT manager Jojo Lastimosa in Game 3

    Just when it appeared that TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez rose to remind everyone that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals still runs through San Miguel Beer.

     

    In a pulsating and emotionally charged Game 3 that swung wildly from quarter to quarter, Perez authored one of the most ruthless finishing acts of the series. The San Miguel guard erupted for 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, repeatedly answering TNT’s rallies and closing the door on any hopes of a late comeback as the Beermen secured a hard-earned 95–89 victory Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The win, achieved in front of a loud, energized crowd that mirrored the intensity on the floor, pushed San Miguel to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals and once again underscored the championship DNA that has defined the franchise for years.

     

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    Perez’s late-game takeover was the defining image of the night. With the game hanging in the balance entering the final frame, the former Finals MVP attacked the defense with purpose—hitting timely jumpers, slashing to the basket, and imposing his will when San Miguel needed composure the most. Each basket felt heavier than the last, draining momentum from TNT while lifting the Beermen closer to control of the series.

     

    Yet beyond the box score and highlight reels, San Miguel’s Game 3 triumph was also shaped by a quieter, grittier narrative—one rooted in sacrifice, toughness, and the emotional toll of a championship fight.

     

    Veteran guard Chris Ross, long regarded as the Beermen’s defensive heartbeat and emotional compass, once again suited up despite dealing with pain in his Achilles tendon. At 40 years old and deep into another Finals run, Ross’ presence alone carried weight, even as his health remained a growing concern heading into the latter stages of the series.

     

    That tension spilled over into a heated exchange late in the game involving Ross and TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa, an incident that briefly shifted attention away from the action on the court. Ross, however, was quick to downplay the confrontation, framing it as an inevitable byproduct of Finals basketball.

     

    “We are playing for a championship, so if we are not getting in the other team’s face, then what are we doing? These are two really good teams, so guys should expect that. If you don’t have that energy, you are not showing that you want to win,” Ross said in a media interaction.

    The longtime San Miguel stalwart emphasized that emotions naturally run high at this stage of the season, particularly with both teams fighting for every possession and every edge. For Ross, intensity is not just acceptable—it is necessary.

     

    Ross also clarified that the altercation did not initially involve Lastimosa, instead stemming from remarks made by individuals seated near the TNT bench while he was down on the court.

     

    “It wasn’t Jolas. It was some fans or family members who were telling me to get off the court and hurry up. If I’m hurt, I’m hurt so I think it’s disrespectful to rush a player if he is hurt. There should be a line drawn when someone’s hurt.

     

    “It was directed at the fans, but they were women, and I don’t talk down to women. Then Jolas got into it, then I got into him. He came up to me after the game and apologized,” he concluded.

     

    The incident, while tense, ultimately reflected the high emotional stakes of a Finals series where margins are thin and respect is fiercely guarded. Ross’ explanation helped diffuse the moment, and his acknowledgment of Lastimosa’s postgame apology underscored the professionalism that still exists beneath the competitive fire.

     

    For San Miguel, Ross’ leadership—both visible and behind the scenes—remains invaluable. Even as his body absorbs the wear of another grueling campaign, his willingness to play through pain embodies the urgency of the Beermen’s title push. His presence stabilizes the team defensively and emotionally, especially in games that threaten to spiral under pressure.

     

    As the series progresses, Ross’ condition will be closely monitored. His availability for Game 4 looms as a significant storyline, particularly with TNT expected to respond with renewed intensity after relinquishing momentum in Game 3.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, will look to build on Perez’s explosive finish and tighten its grip on the Philippine Cup crown when the two teams return to the floor on Wednesday, January 28, once again at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. TNT, fighting to level the series, faces the challenge of containing Perez late while matching San Miguel’s physicality and composure.

     

    With emotions rising, bodies aching, and the championship within reach, the Finals has fully revealed what it demands—timely brilliance, hardened resolve, and a willingness to endure everything that comes with playing for the title.

     

     

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  • Chris Ross playing through Achilles injury for San Miguel in Philippine Cup finals

    Chris Ross playing through Achilles injury for San Miguel in Philippine Cup finals

    Just when it appeared that TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez reminded everyone that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals still belonged to him.

     

    In a pulsating Game 3 that swung wildly from quarter to quarter, Perez delivered one of the most ruthless closing performances of the series, erupting for 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lift San Miguel Beer to a 95–89 victory over TNT. The win, achieved in front of a loud and energized Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, pushed the Beermen to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals and reaffirmed their championship pedigree.

     

    While Perez grabbed the headlines with his late-game heroics, San Miguel’s victory also came with a quieter, grittier storyline—one defined by sacrifice and toughness. Veteran guard Chris Ross has been playing through pain in his Achilles tendon as he continues to suit up for the Beermen in their title push.

     

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    Despite clearly not being at full strength, Ross has remained determined to contribute however he can, leaning on experience and leadership as San Miguel battles through a tightly contested series.

    “It’s still tight, but I just have to fight through it. The good thing is, we have two more days before the next game, so I can get a bit healthier to try and help the team,” Ross said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The injury is not new. Ross has been dealing with the Achilles issue since the semifinals, and his condition appeared to worsen during Game 3. At the 11:08 mark of the third quarter, the 40-year-old guard took a hard fall that left him visibly limping as he made his way to the bench. He did not return to the game after the incident, raising concerns about his availability moving forward.

     

    Even from the sidelines, Ross remained focused on the bigger picture, praising his teammates for stepping up and stressing the importance of staying grounded despite the series lead.

     

    “My guys got my back, they played well tonight, we got the win. That’s all that matters. We take it game by game. The series is far from over, they are a really good team and we know they will make adjustments,” he added.

     

    Ross’ leadership has long been a cornerstone of San Miguel’s success, and his willingness to play through pain reflects the urgency and stakes of the Finals. Whether he can return to action will be closely monitored as the series progresses, especially with TNT expected to respond with renewed intensity.

     

    San Miguel will hope that the veteran guard can recover enough to take the floor when Game 4 between the two teams tips off on Wednesday, January 28, once again at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as the Beermen look to tighten their grip on the Philippine Cup crown while TNT fights to level the series.

     

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  • Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen moved one step closer to securing a return trip to the finals after grinding out a 115–109 victory over rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of their semifinal series on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Beermen, who are attempting to extend their dominance in the league’s most prestigious conference, leaned heavily on their veteran core and championship poise to withstand multiple Ginebra runs. Six-time and record-setting PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo once again delivered a steady and commanding performance, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. His presence in the paint opened opportunities for his teammates, allowing San Miguel to build a sizable lead early in the game.

     

    Jaymar Perez continued his impressive postseason showing with 20 points, finding ways to attack Ginebra’s interior defense and providing crucial baskets whenever San Miguel’s offense stalled. Mo Tautuaa added 18 points, showcasing his versatility and physicality in the frontcourt, while Marcio Lassiter contributed 16 points, knocking down timely three-pointers that helped steady the Beermen when Ginebra mounted its late charge.

     

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    Despite controlling much of the game, San Miguel couldn’t fully put Barangay Ginebra away. After establishing a lead that ballooned to as much as 17 points, the Beermen momentarily lost focus, opening the door for Ginebra to storm back behind their trademark never-say-die mentality. In the final minutes, the Gin Kings managed to trim the deficit to just four points, forcing San Miguel to regroup and lock in defensively to secure the win.

     

    Veteran guard Chris Ross acknowledged the concerning pattern of allowing opponents back into games, emphasizing that the team must address the issue immediately—especially with a finals berth within reach.

    “I feel like in every game, we have pretty much had a double-digit lead. And I don’t know if it’s relaxing or if they play desperate, but they do something to get back in the game. I mean, it’s Ginebra. So they are going to do something to get back in the game,” Ross said.

     

    “So we just got to weather the storm when we do get those leads and keep our composure. And we did that today. We had some bad turnovers. Me, in particular, I think I had way too many. But we will fix it and come back ready,” he added.

     

    Ross, regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive guards and vocal leaders, also highlighted the importance of containing Ginebra’s bench production—an area that has heavily influenced the momentum of the series.

     

    “I told the guys, I tell them before every game, before we run out there, that if we outscore their bench, we have a really good chance of winning. Because the two games that their bench played really well, they won. And the two games, those other games where we matched their intensity or outplayed their bench, we won.

     

    “So their bench is really key in this game because their starters are really good. And their bench is what’s going to keep them level. So we matched their intensity and we came out with the win today,” Ross concluded.

     

    The Beermen now hold a 3–2 series lead and are just one win away from clinching another finals appearance. However, Ginebra is known for thriving under pressure and has a history of forcing deep, dramatic finishes in playoff battles. With both teams eager to avoid a nerve-wracking winner-take-all Game 7, the stage is set for an intense and high-stakes showdown.

     

    Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Beermen will attempt to close out the series, while the Gin Kings fight to keep their championship hopes alive.

     

     

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