TNT Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes believes the turning point of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 7 came when import Chris McCullough found himself burdened by foul trouble, limiting his effectiveness in the championship-clinching contest against Barangay Ginebra.

Following the game, Reyes emphasized that McCullough’s early foul issues had a significant impact on TNT’s strategy and ultimately altered the flow of the winner-take-all showdown.

McCullough entered Game 7 carrying enormous expectations after delivering a historic performance in the previous outing. His dominant display in Game 6 helped TNT extend the series and force a deciding game, giving the Tropang 5G a chance to capture the title. However, the explosive forward was unable to replicate the same level of aggression as foul calls forced him to play more cautiously throughout the contest.

According to Reyes, the situation affected not only McCullough’s individual game but also the team’s overall approach.

“When your main import gets into foul trouble, it changes a lot of things,” Reyes said after the match. “It affects your rotations, your defense, and even the way you attack on offense.”

The TNT coach noted that McCullough’s ability to protect the rim, battle for rebounds, and create scoring opportunities is central to the team’s success. Once the import was forced to be mindful of accumulating additional fouls, those strengths became more difficult to maximize.

The momentum gradually shifted in Ginebra’s favor as the game progressed. With McCullough unable to defend as aggressively as usual, the Gin Kings found more opportunities to attack the basket and establish their offensive rhythm.

Reyes specifically pointed to the middle stages of the game, where TNT struggled to maintain its intensity while trying to manage McCullough’s minutes and foul situation.

“There were moments when we had to make decisions about whether to keep him on the floor or protect him from picking up another foul,” Reyes explained. “Those are difficult choices in a Game 7 because every possession matters.”

Despite the adversity, TNT continued to fight and remained competitive throughout much of the contest. Local stars stepped up in an effort to keep the team within striking distance, but the absence of a fully aggressive McCullough proved difficult to overcome.

The import had been a major factor throughout the Finals series. His scoring ability, rebounding presence, and defensive versatility gave TNT an edge in several key games, including the sixth contest where he delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent Finals history.

Reyes credited McCullough for everything he contributed during the team’s playoff campaign, saying the import’s arrival provided a major boost at a crucial stage of the tournament.

“Chris gave us a tremendous lift,” Reyes said. “He brought energy, confidence, and production every time he stepped on the court. He played a huge role in getting us to this point.”

While disappointed with the outcome, Reyes also acknowledged Ginebra’s execution and composure under pressure. The veteran coach praised the opposing side for taking advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves and performing well in the most important game of the series.

“They played like a championship team,” Reyes said. “They made the right plays at the right time and were able to capitalize on situations that worked in their favor.”

For TNT, the defeat marked the end of a hard-fought journey that featured numerous challenges. The team battled through injuries, roster adjustments, and intense playoff competition to reach the Finals and push the series to the limit.

Although the loss was painful, Reyes expressed pride in the effort shown by his players throughout the conference.

“This group never stopped competing,” he said. “No matter what obstacles came our way, they kept fighting. That’s something I’ll always appreciate about this team.”

As TNT reflects on a series that came down to a single game, Reyes remains convinced that McCullough’s foul trouble played a decisive role in determining the outcome.

Basketball games are often decided by a combination of factors, but in the coach’s view, the inability of TNT’s top import to play freely changed the complexion of the contest. In a championship battle where every possession carried extra weight, the foul situation proved to be one hurdle the Tropang 5G could not overcome.

For Reyes, it was the moment that ultimately swung the balance of Game 7 and helped pave the way for Ginebra’s title celebration.