If the Magnolia Hotshots have emerged as one of Group B's biggest threats in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup, the defending champions TNT Tropang 5G are making a similarly ominous statement in Group A.
After settling for a .500 record through their first eight games, TNT has returned from the lengthy break with three consecutive victories, none more impressive than its 116-98 dismantling of perennial contender San Miguel at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday.
The Tropang 5G have already flexed their firepower in blowout wins over Terrafirma, 116-92, and Macau, 142-87. But while those lopsided results are enough to strike fear into the rest of the league, it is the process behind them that should be even more concerning for their 12 rivals.
With nearly their full complement back in action, TNT is beginning to look like the well-oiled machine that has carried it to five consecutive PBA Finals appearances. And if the Tropang 5G can sustain that level of execution, their resurgence could be more than just a strong start to the second half of the conference.
Dribble-drive in full effect
One of TNT's biggest strengths is its ability to space the floor without sacrificing its interior presence. With Henry Galinato providing a physical threat in the paint with solid numbers since the resumption of action of 11.3 points and 8.0 rebounds, the Tropang 5G can operate with a four-out, one-in alignment that forces opposing big men to stay close to the basket, opening driving lanes for ball handlers and creating opportunities for kick-out passes when help defense collapses.
That balance has translated into one of the league's more efficient perimeter attacks. Through 11 games in the conference, TNT has shot 35.2% from beyond the arc, the fourth-best mark in the league. Over its three-game winning streak since the break, however, the defending champions have raised that figure to a blistering 42.3% clip, while knocking down 15.7 triples per contest.
A significant part of that improvement came from how TNT generated those looks, particularly during its first two victories. Although Nick Hornsby's stint as the team's import lasted just two games, the 31-year-old forward gave the offense another dimension through table setting. Rather than relying on isolation scoring, Hornsby consistently attacked off the dribble, drawing defenders into the paint before finding open teammates on the perimeter. His five assists per game reflected how effectively he created opportunities for others, allowing TNT's shooters to capitalize on the space he generated.
"We knew that coming in that he's not an outside or three-point shooter, but we like his playmaking ability. The players like playing with him because he's able to deliver the passes when it matters and I think that's a big part of how well we've shot the ball the last two games," Reyes said after Hornsby's performance against San Miguel.
The emphasis on drive-and-kicks has also benefited the returning Calvin Oftana, who has seamlessly reclaimed his role as TNT's primary scoring threat. Over the Tropang 5G's three-game winning streak, the forward has averaged 25.7 points and 6.7 rebounds while posting an outstanding 79.0% true shooting percentage. He has been particularly lethal from beyond the arc, converting 13 of his 25 attempts for a 52% clip.
After their win over Terrafirma, the forward expressed his relief at being able to contribute without the physical discomfort that had previously hampered him.
"I'm just happy na makalaro ulit na walang iniinda sa paa and sa legs ko. At ayun nandito ulit ako para maglaro at ibigay ang buong ko sa team namin," Oftana said.
RHJ is back
TNT may still be waiting for some of its local pieces to return to full health, but the defending champions have welcomed back their biggest weapon at just the right time.
After spending nearly 10 months recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made his long-awaited return on Tuesday, en route to a whopping 142-87 victory over the Macau Giant Pandas at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The three-time PBA Best Import of the Conference made the most of his return, finishing with 22 points on 10-of-22 shooting, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in just over 22 minutes, without committing a turnover.
Although there was evident rust in terms of his finishing in some drives, Hollis-Jefferson's return gives TNT back the versatility that has made it such a difficult matchup in the postseason. The ability to attack downhill, create opportunities for teammates, defend multiple positions and generate stops in transition gives the Tropang 5G another reliable option on both ends.
With Calvin Oftana also regaining his form and scorers like RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Jordan Heading finding their rhythm, Hollis-Jefferson's presence could elevate an already surging TNT side as it prepares for the quarterfinals.
"I'm still trying to get it. That was the game for that, to kinda gauge myself and see where I'm at," Hollis-Jefferson said.
"I've been dealing with a lot of personal stuff, but when I get into basketball mode, I try to stay focused on basketball and give it my all."