14 years later, TNT is once again attempting to win a PBA Grand Slam as the Tropang 5G take on nemesis San Miguel in the Philippine Cup Finals.
TNT Tropang 5G are one step away from making PBA history.
Despite entering the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals as the no. 6 seed, TNT has defied the odds, punching its ticket to the title round with a shot at completing a rare Grand Slam.
The Tropang 5G won the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup earlier this season, and now stand four wins away from sweeping all three conferences — a feat achieved by only five teams in PBA history.
Their playoff run has been nothing short of gutsy. TNT stunned no. 3 seed Magnolia with a 2-0 sweep in the quarterfinals, then outlasted a gritty Rain or Shine squad in six games during the semifinals.
Now, the Tropang 5G face familiar rivals San Miguel Beermen, the same team that crushed their Grand Slam bid in 2011 — a painful Game 7 loss in the Governors’ Cup Finals when SMB was still known as Petron.
Three figures from that 2011 TNT team remain today: head coach Chot Reyes, and veterans Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams. But this time, the Tropang 5G must overcome a brutal wave of injuries to get over the hump.
Jayson Castro, the Governors’ Cup Finals MVP, is out for the season. So is Rey Nambatac, the Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP.
RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Williams have also been sidelined due to various injuries, though Oftana has fought through an ankle sprain to contribute, alongside newly-acquired Jordan Heading, who is dealing with back issues.
Even with a depleted lineup, TNT has leaned on its championship DNA and deep bench. Their resilience and desire to avenge past heartbreak — especially against San Miguel — now fuel their final push.
The road has been rocky, but the destination remains within reach. For TNT Tropang 5G, the Grand Slam dream is still alive — and now just one series away.
The Philippine Cup Finals schedule are here.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]