THE TNT Tropang Giga administration has already taken action to address the dugout damage caused by their team following the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Before moving on from the humiliating 71-70 loss to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings, the Tropang Giga may have to deal with a few more repercussions of the forgettable day, as they address the off-court issue. 

The dugout where the alleged MVP-backed group stayed had a shattered wall, indicating that fury may have erupted. However, TNT manager Jojo Lastimosa was well aware of who was behind it.

Who Was It?

While the offender has already been identified, Lastimosa wishes not to reveal his identity further. However, the team manager ensured that the individual would pay for the full amount of the damages.

“Yes [because] it’s a non-court incident,” the TNT team manager said, when asked by a media if the cost of the damages would be charged through salary deduction of the involved personnel.

Despite the fact that the individual was not named, numerous fans online believe it was the controversial big mam Poy Erram, who fled the court late in the third quarter following another outburst. 

Erram was enraged by a non-call on Ginebra star Justin Brownlee, although he was called for a foul after making unnecessary contact with the same import. He then went to the dugout and was seen kicking some of the team’s belongings left outside the door. 

He returned to the TNT bench a few minutes later and was back on the court by the middle of the fourth quarter. He finished with six points and five rebounds, shooting three of four from the field.

Time to Move On

Nonetheless, TNT stated that they have already been informed and are seeking instructions from the Commissioner’s Office on the exact total the club would be required to pay. 

Commissioner Willie Marcial stated that the usual procedure for such an incident is for the playing venue’s administration to examine and then sum up the total cost of the damage, which will be paid to the PBA office and forwarded to the team. 

Meanwhile, head coach Tim Cone and the entire Ginebra squad are ready for a strong TNT comeback as they face off in the third game of the best-of-seven series tonight at the PhilSports Arena.

Cone expects TNT to come out firing tonight and for head coach Chot Reyes to make key adjustments, particularly given how his team struggled offensively in the first half before giving up a three-point advantage in the end.

“We’ll see what happens in Game 3 if we can continue [our defense]. RHJ is going to have an adjustment to it. Chot is one of the most brilliant adjustment coaches I’ve ever been around. There is going to be an adjustment there,” Cone said.

As was the case in Game 2, the winningest coach in the PBA anticipates that Game 3 will be a low-scoring, close game, proving that defense will be at the forefront of these players’ minds when the game starts at 7:30 PM.