TNT Tropang Giga is back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals for the first time in six years after closing out Rain or Shine, 97-92, in Game 5 of their semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 7.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered a commanding 42-point performance, powering TNT to a 4-1 series victory. He received crucial support from Kelly Williams, Calvin Oftana, and Rey Nambatac, who stepped up in key moments down the stretch to keep the Elasto Painters at bay.

TNT Locks In on Finals Spot

“We really showed a lot of heart and guts down the stretch,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes. “I reminded the team to focus on the task at hand and not allow Rain or Shine to extend the series.”

Despite trailing early, TNT remained composed. Williams provided a four-point burst to erase an 84-82 deficit, while Oftana’s clutch three-pointer stretched TNT’s lead to 93-86, sealing the game with under a minute left.

Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropa’s do-it-all leader, credited the team’s poise under pressure.

“They went up a little bit, but we stayed calm,” he said. “I told the guys we could come together and do this, but we had to stay composed.”

Rain or Shine’s Late Rally Falls Short

Rain or Shine’s Deon Thompson did all he could to extend the series, scoring 34 points, but the Elasto Painters’ late-game struggles ultimately cost them. The team exits the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals for the third consecutive conference, now shifting its focus to the upcoming Philippine Cup.

With TNT advancing, they now await the winner of the Barangay Ginebra vs. NorthPort semifinals for a best-of-seven showdown in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.