TNT entered Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals with a simple message: the series would require a full 96-minute effort to overcome Barangay Ginebra.
The number was written on a whiteboard inside the Tropang 5G dugout before Sunday’s game, representing the combined duration of Games 6 and 7 should TNT force a deciding match.
After securing a 98-90 victory and tying the series at 3-3, TNT is now halfway through that goal and will look to complete the job in Game 7 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“If we really focus on playing defense, then we can stop this team,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “In our board (before Game 6), we put 96 minutes. We put the No. 96 encircled with a heart. We said let’s play the best 96 minutes of our lives.”
“And now, all we’ve done is get through the first half, and find a way to get ready for the second half on Wednesday,” said Reyes.
The Tropang 5G are familiar with this situation after also defeating Ginebra in a seven-game Commissioner’s Cup Finals series last season. TNT won the last two games of that championship matchup, including an overtime victory in Game 7.
Reyes said the team has maintained the same mindset throughout the current series.
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FOR THE
Game 7
June 17
7:30 PM
Barangay GINEBRA San Miguel vs. TNT Tropang 5GLIVE
RPTV ch 9 (Free TV)
— PBA (@pbaconnect) June 15, 2026
“We talked about it from the start. We are here for the long game. And now, we are in long game territory. We are just grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to try one more time,” said Reyes.
TNT bounced back from a difficult Game 5 loss, where Ginebra escaped with a 100-95 overtime win behind Justin Brownlee’s 54-point performance.
Despite the setback, Reyes reminded his players that they had previously been in similar situations.
“Obviously, we were pretty down in the dugout but I reminded them in the dugout, we’ve been here before. We know how to do this. And my only message is to clear your minds, clear your hearts, and put their best foot forward,” said Reyes.
“Whatever happens, happens. But like I said, we are prepared for 96 minutes. Now, there’s another 48 to be played,” Reyes added.
Game 7 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a large crowd expected as TNT and Ginebra battle for the Commissioner’s Cup championship.
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