By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Finally, after six long years, the TNT Tropang Giga are once again kings of the PBA.
All the sweat, tears, and blood paid off for the TNT Tropang Giga franchise after obliterating the Magnolia Pambansang Manok, 94-79, in Game 5 of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
It was 2015 when the franchise won its last PBA title against a talented Rain or Shine team and 2013 when they last tasted an all-Filipino crown.
Aside from the emotional playoffs series the MVP Group-backed team had this 2021 PBA PH Cup, the win also ended a dominant run the San Miguel Corporation had for the last five years.
Locked in to take the coveted crown when PBA commissioner Willie Marcial announced the season several months ago, TNT brought back legendary coach Chot Reyes in hopes of turning the tables for the talented team.
From the get-go, Reyes didn’t disappoint.
The former Gilas Pilipinas head tactician led TNT to an outstanding 10-1 win-loss record in the eliminations, grabbing the top spot honors and a twice-to-beat advantage as the post-season kicked off.
By acquiring the well-experienced head coach, TNT’s poise under pressure in the finals was just unmatched.
Despite the presence of its big three: Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Calvin Abueva, TNT was still able to break through and showcased wonderful team basketball on their championship run.
TNT’s unselfishness courtesy of Reyes’ more patient offensive system spearheaded TNT’s dominant run that countered what Magnolia coach Chito Victolero ran throughout the playoffs including his full-court pressure.
No game was safe including the fifth and final one when rookie Mikey Williams once again exploded and finished the game with 24 points to become the third rookie to win the Finals Most Valuable Player aside from Danny Seigle and Brandon Cablay.
TNT’s core of RR Pogoy, Jason Castro, and Troy Rosario also performed at their best as they scored 19, 10, and 9, respectively.
“I have to give this really to the players. They really put in the effort, they stayed together through adversity. This is just a great reward for all their hardships,” said Reyes.
