GETTING to the next level is something TNT is used to. But not like this, with the Tropang 5G plagued by injuries to some key players and ranged against a squad known for its own brand of tenaciousness.
Still, TNT is bent on overcoming its manpower problems and another expected tough stand from Rain or Shine to become the first PBA Philippine Cup finalist Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A fitting follow-up to their 108-92 victory last Wednesday would enable the Tropa to wrap up the best-of-seven semifinal series at 4-1 and get some days of rest while awaiting the winner of the other Final Four pairing between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer.
Such a respite is sorely needed by TNT to give key players Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams time to recover from their respective injuries.
All three remain doubtful for Game 5, giving rise to coach Chot Reyes' biggest worry before the match that is one of the steps TNT must take to realize a third straight Finals appearance and from there notch a grand sweep of all the three titles at stake for the season.
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"I'm only concerned if we have enough men because we're just falling like flies. We lost Kelly today, Calvin as well," said Reyes, whose Tropa have already been without Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac even before the series started.
"But just as it's been since Day One, not only this conference but the entire season, it's just whoever we have, next man up," added Reyes. "So for me going into the next game that's my only concern: Who do we have and how can I make best use of whoever it is that we have left."
The remaining Tropa, particularly Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Glenn Khobuntin, Henry Galinato, Jr., Brian Heruela, Poy Erram and Kim Aurin have already proven they are up to the task, resulting in the Game 4 win that came after they got blown out, 86-107, in Game 3.
Reprising their stand-up jobs is a must for Reyes, who expects coach Yeng Guiao and his Elasto Painters to come out with more of the fiery spirit they are know for, or else suffer a 1-4 defeat just like in their two previous semis meetings this season.
"For sure. They are playing with a lot of urgency, credit to coach Yeng. They're making great adjustments and he's getting his guys to play really hard. So we just have to match that. In fact, we have to overcome that," said Reyes.
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"They're going to come out with their hardest effort yet in this series, in Game 5. So we have to be ready. We have no other choice. We just have to be ready," emphasized Reyes.
