As it is, a full-strength Meralco Bolts team already has its hands full against a loaded TNT Tropang 5G squad. Now, the Season 48 PBA Philippine Cup champions are facing the prospect of playing the Tropa either without Chris Newsome or with their best player hobbled.
Newsome, Meralco’s second-leading scorer at 15.7 points per game and undisputed heart and soul, went down at the tail end of regulation with what appeared to be a hyperextended left knee after teammate Chris Banchero fell on it. The Gilas mainstay crumpled to the floor clutching his left knee in obvious pain and took a few minutes before getting up and walking gingerly back to the bench. He was subbed out and never returned.
The 35-year-old Newsome later left the Smart Araneta Coliseum walking on his own, but with his left leg in an immobilizer. In the post-game scrum with reporters, he vowed to do whatever it takes to play Game 4 and noted that his teammates “are capable of stepping up” in case he wouldn’t be available.
Newsome was scheduled for an MRI on Friday night, though there is no word yet on his status as of this writing.
Newsome Not the Only Casualty as Rey Nambatac Also Hurt
Incidentally, TNT had its own casualty in Rey Nambatac, who himself crumpled to the floor a few plays after Newsome injured his knee. Nambatac appeared to hurt his left leg and had to be helped by his teammates in getting back to the bench.
Nambatac, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP, is averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this Philippine Cup. He finished Game 3 with 13 points and 3 assists and was one of the few bright spots for TNT. He was also among the heroes of the Tropa’s come-from-behind victory in Game 1, where he fired 17 big points.
The fiery lefty is obviously a vital piece to TNT’s championship puzzle. But with a stacked roster full of high-quality playmakers, it appears that the Tropa are more equipped to deal with Nambatac’s injury as opposed to Meralco with Newsome. Fans will find out soon enough.
Tipoff of Game 4 is later this Sunday, 7:30 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena.
