MANILA, Philippines – By defeating Barangay Ginebra 87-83 in a thrilling Game 7 match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to win the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup title, TNT Tropang Giga cemented its supremacy in the PBA. TNT won the championship for the second time in a row this season, setting them up for an uncommon Grand Slam run.

Despite being forced into a lengthy series and put to the ultimate test in overtime, the Tropang Giga showed poise and fortitude. Rey Nambatac and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson spearheaded the attack, but Calvin Oftana struck the game-ending blow late in overtime. The victory earned TNT its 11th overall championship in franchise history and its third in the previous five conferences.

Coach Chot Reyes was quite pleased with the work his players did. “I want to express my gratitude to our players who truly made it. Reyes emphasized the perseverance his squad showed by saying, “Talagang ayaw magpatalo, and this is the result.”

A boisterous 21,274 spectators witnessed the championship victory, many of whom were anticipating another iconic meeting between two of the league’s most bitter rivals. As both teams exchanged blows during regular and the extra time, the arena became a battlefield. Before Justin Brownlee made a step-back three-pointer that prompted overtime and added to the drama of an already intense game, TNT looked set to win the game in regulation.

The Tropang Giga maintained their position in spite of the change of momentum. With 6.3 seconds left in overtime, Oftana made a pivotal jumper that provided TNT with the lead it required. Known for his clutch heroics, Brownlee had another chance to prolong the game, but his final-second effort was unsuccessful, and TNT won the championship.

Ricky Vargas, TNT governor and PBA chairman, honored Ginebra and praised the tenacity of his team. “Thank you for showing us how to play tough basketball, Ginebra. Salutations to the Talk ‘N Text athletes and supporters. Vargas declared, “This is a unique group and a unique team.”

Given that TNT competed without its longstanding leader, Jayson Castro, who was out due to injury, the victory is all the more impressive. Rey Nambatac took Castro’s place and won Finals MVP honors. Nambatac finished the series with averages of 17.85 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He had an outstanding effort in Game 7, scoring 22 points, including four clutch three-pointers.

The team’s all-around powerhouse, Hollis-Jefferson, delivered as promised. Continuing to solidify his position as one of the PBA’s most dependable imports, he finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Particularly in the closing minutes, his leadership on both sides of the floor proved crucial.

With 28 points and 10 rebounds, Brownlee once again led Ginebra in scoring. Scottie Thompson scored 13 points, while Japeth Aguilar scored 15. However, as coach Tim Cone had to largely rely on an eight-man rotation during the game, which was literally a make-or-break match, tiredness became evident.

Despite their best efforts, the Kings were unable to match TNT’s intensity during overtime. With the defeat, TNT’s run toward a possible Grand Slam continued, while Ginebra’s dreams of atonement and another title were crushed.

TNT’s Governors’ Cup victory earlier this season is complemented by the Commissioner’s Cup crown. With a championship to complete a historic season sweep, the team now turns its attention to the upcoming Philippine Cup.

Only four Grand Slam teams have ever played in the PBA’s history: Alaska, San Miguel Beer, San Mig Coffee, and Crispa (twice). TNT is currently very much in the running to be the fifth.

As he enjoyed the consecutive victories, Coach Reyes stressed the value of maintaining composure. “This team has demonstrated that it has the heart and character to keep going, even though we know the next task will be even harder.”

TNT is the squad to beat as the season progresses. Now, supporters are anxious to see if the Tropang Giga can complete the task at hand and establish themselves as one of the league’s best teams.