TNT secures Finals spot with commanding Game 5 win over Rain or Shine

TNT is back in the Finals after a dominant 113-95 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 5 of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinal series on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

With the win, the Tropang Giga eliminated the Elasto Painters and became the first team to book a ticket to the championship round.

The game’s pivotal moment came in the second quarter when TNT unleashed a decisive 12-0 run, stretching their lead to 40-25. From there, they never looked back, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the match to close out the best-of-seven series, 4-1.

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the star of the night, nearly recording a triple-double with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. His dominant performance set the tone for the Tropang Giga’s victory. “It feels great to be back in the Finals,” Hollis-Jefferson said post-game, while also commending Rain or Shine for their hard-fought series.

Supporting Hollis-Jefferson’s stellar effort was Roger Pogoy, who chipped in 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting, including a flawless 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Kim Aurin provided additional firepower with 12 points, all from deep, while Calvin Oftana added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Tropang Giga, who at one point led by as many as 27 points.

WATCH: Rain or Shine vs. TNT (October 18) Game 5 Highlights

Rain or Shine, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace. Aaron Fuller led the Elasto Painters with a quiet 14 points and six rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to challenge TNT’s dominance. Six Elasto Painters reached double figures, but none could muster the kind of breakout performance needed to extend the series.

Now, TNT awaits the winner of the Ginebra-San Miguel series, where the Gin Kings hold a 3-2 lead after their own commanding 121-92 win earlier in the day. With the Finals looming, TNT has its sights set on reclaiming the Governors’ Cup crown and will face either a fierce Ginebra squad or a resurgent San Miguel team.

As the first team to punch their Finals ticket, the Tropang Giga are ready for the challenge ahead.