TNT forward Troy Rosario did not let his back and finger injuries stop him from suiting up and inspiring the Tropang Giga to a 106-89 rout of the Magnolia Hotshots to put them a win away from capturing the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup championship.
Tagged as questionable to play after suffering spinal shock and a dislocated pinkie after his bad fall in Game 3, Rosario nevertheless took the floor and did enough to put TNT on the verge of winning their very first title
since 2015.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes said Rosario shouldn’t have been playing.
“He shouldn’t be playing. The reason why we played him was for inspirational purposes,” said Reyes. “As you can see, he couldn’t even catch the ball.”
Rosario may have produced just five points and three rebounds, but his impact on the game was immeasurable, said Reyes.
“I thought by him being there, the message of courage was going to rub off on his teammates,” said Reyes. “Great heart shown here by Troy, and I think everyone followed.”