In a game where the TNT Tropang 5G were already without Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, veteran point guard Jayson Castro also went down with a left ankle sprain at the 10-minute mark of the fourth quarter.
But the Tropa still won, thanks largely to import Chris McCullough, whose career-high 53 points helped TNT take Game 6, 98-90, and extend the series to a Game 7.
Asked about the injury after the game, Castro was quick to dismiss any serious damage but admitted to some soreness.
“Typical na sprained ankle, so namaga siya,” Castro told reporters. “Pero wala naman something na na-ano sa mga ligament.”
Castro Hopeful to Still Play in Game 7
No ligament damage should be good news for TNT, especially since Oftana and Ganuelas-Rosser will both be game-time decisions on Wednesday, according to TNT coach Chot Reyes. That means there’s a chance The Blur will be able to play in the championship decider. And he vowed he will do whatever it takes for it to happen.
“Sisikapin kong makatulong sa Game 7, kahit mga limited minutes lang para sa mga teammate ko and para sa mga coaches,” Castro said. “Good news kasi may maga, pero ta-try namin na makalaro sa Wednesday maging ready lang para kung kailanganin ni coach, I think ready naman.”
Castro has been a big help already ever since Game 4, when Reyes first inserted him into the Tropa’s starting unit. In Game 6, the 39-year-old contributed 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 17 minutes while providing leadership and a veteran presence.
A Leader of Champions
Castro’s sprained ankle is the latest in a long list of injuries that have hampered TNT in this PBA Commissioner’s Cup. And yet, through it all, here are the Tropa—still alive and a win away from defending their crown. The veteran playmaker is unsurprisingly proud of his team for this.
“Sobrang proud ako sa kanila kasi despite may mga ibang injury ’yung teammate namin, pero talagang laban lang,” said the 10-time PBA champion. “Since start nung conference as in ’yun lang ’yung mantra namin, laban lang kasi parang roller-coaster yung ano namin this season, pero despite nun nandito pa rin kami, ’yun nga lalaro ulit ng Game 7.”
Game 7 will be on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. And whether he plays or helps out on the bench, expect Castro to provide that veteran leadership once more.
“I think ’yun nga, ’yung pagiging veteran. Magbigay ng mga advice sa mga starter namin or sa mga young guns na nandoon and maging positive lang lagi,” he stressed of his role come Game 7.
