In the pressure-cooker environment of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, TNT Tropang Giga faced not only tough opponents but also a growing list of injured players. Among those battling through pain was rising star Calvin Oftana, who suffered an ankle strain during a pivotal Game 4 against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. While injuries are a natural part of the sport, the timing of Oftana’s setback—and how he responded to it—revealed much about his character and importance to the TNT franchise.

The injury occurred in the early minutes of the fourth quarter. Oftana landed awkwardly after contesting a rebound and was visibly limping afterward. Despite the discomfort, he stayed on the floor, helping TNT close out a vital 108–92 win. At the time, TNT was already dealing with a depleted roster. Veterans like Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy were sidelined, while Kelly Williams also went down with a separate injury in the same game. Oftana’s decision to push through the pain wasn’t just admirable—it was necessary.

Head coach Chot Reyes later confirmed that Oftana had suffered a mild ankle sprain. He emphasized that it wasn’t the kind of injury that would automatically sideline a player, but given the team’s situation, caution was warranted. Reyes also pointed out that Oftana had played heavy minutes throughout the conference, including national team duties, which may have added stress to his body.

Before the injury, Oftana had been one of TNT’s most consistent contributors throughout the Philippine Cup. He had multiple double-digit scoring nights and was even named Player of the Week twice during the conference. His 39-point explosion earlier in the semifinals had been a game-changer, proving he could carry the scoring load in high-stakes situations. That performance had earned him praise not just from his own team but from fans and analysts across the league.

With TNT now on the verge of reaching the Finals, the question becomes how the team will manage Oftana’s recovery. An ankle sprain may seem minor, but in a physically demanding tournament, even small injuries can linger or worsen if not handled carefully. Fortunately for TNT, their depth has allowed role players like Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Henry Galinato to step up when needed. But there’s no denying that a fully healthy Oftana is crucial if TNT hopes to lift the championship trophy.

Despite the uncertainty, one thing is clear: Calvin Oftana’s toughness and willingness to fight through adversity have only strengthened his reputation. He has shown that he’s more than just a skilled scorer—he’s a competitor who puts his team first. Whether he returns at full strength or continues to play through pain, Oftana has already proven that he’s one of the PBA’s most promising and resilient young stars.

In the end, this ankle strain may be just a small detour in what’s shaping up to be an exceptional career.