TNT head coach Chot Reyes could only smile when he was reminded of his own post-game interview two days ago, stating satisfaction that for the first time this conference, his squad was finally healthy.
Unfortunately, the fact remains that fate plays by its own rules, and the Tropang 5G are now dealing with another injury, this one to super-import Bol Bol who exited Game 2 in the second quarter due to a partial achilles tear.
“That’s basketball. That’s sports. That’s part of the game. Injuries are part of the game and there’s nothing we can do about that except to do our best and just cope with it,” Reyes told reporters after the game.
“Sayang we were leading by 11 nung na-injure si Bol. That’s basketball. That’s life. Parang buhay lang yan,” he shrugged, as his side now finds itself on level ground with Meralco in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
READ: TNT eyeing NBA vet Marquese Chriss, Darius Days after Bol injury
Aside from Bol, TNT also missed the services of veteran guard Jayson Castro who tweaked his knee in the previous game, as well as big man Henry Galinato who was out due to fever.
The local pair remain uncertain for Sunday’s crucial Game 3, compounding the Tropang 5G's personnel woes, all while they try to fill in a 7-foot-3 hole.
Sure, TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa bared they’re gonna be flying in imports as soon as possible, but getting a decent performance immediately out of one – if he even arrives in time – may be asking too much considering the long flight, the jetlag, and the impending lack of familiarity.
While Reyes didn’t say anything about playing all-Filipino come Game 3, their hand may very well be forced to do so.
“That’s going to be very difficult,” he acknowledged when asked how the replacement will be infused with the team.
Just another test for TNT
But fighting through such situations isn’t foreign to the Tropang 5G, who've dealt with rotation adjustments all season long.
It’s just going to be extra harder now, without super-import like Bol to mask it all up.
“Just like our situation in the eliminations, we’re gonna need to find (that extra gear). In the elims 'di ba, after that loss against Converge, sinabi ko na sa inyo na we need to beat someone twice to get to the semis,” he said.
“Now, we have to find a way to beat somebody thrice. Those are the cards that we’re dealt with and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
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