Photo credit: PBA

It’s do-or-die time as TNT Tropang Giga and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters gear up for a pivotal Game 5 this Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. With the series deadlocked after four hard-fought games, TNT finds itself just one win away from returning to the PBA Governors' Cup finals, where they triumphed over Barangay Ginebra in 2023. But standing in their way is a determined Rain or Shine squad, hungry to extend the series and keep their championship hopes alive.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his TNT teammates are in prime position to seal the deal following a thrilling 91-89 victory in Game 4. With three chances to clinch a finals berth, the Tropang Giga will first look to get it done on Friday night. However, despite their edge, TNT coach Chot Reyes is keeping his team grounded, saying, "The finals are the furthest from our minds right now. Our only thought is to prepare for the next game."

The Elasto Painters, led by coach Yeng Guiao, have shown resilience throughout the series and aren’t about to back down. Though they’re trailing 3-1, Guiao remains upbeat about his team’s chances. "We still feel good about the series," he said. "It would be hard to climb back, but we’re getting used to finding ways to win. Yes, we're down, but it could easily have been an even series. That's our perspective."

For Guiao, the plan is simple: keep the series alive and wear down TNT's star import, Hollis-Jefferson, who has been logging heavy minutes. "RHJ is playing more than 46 minutes a game, high intensity. If we can extend this into Game Six or Game Seven, there’s a possibility he might tire out. That’s our objective," he explained.

As Game 5 approaches, one thing is certain—Rain or Shine will throw everything they have at TNT to delay the Tropang Giga’s finals march. Whether TNT pulls off the closeout or the Elasto Painters drag this series out for another day, fans can expect a battle for the ages.