Injured Castro inspires teammates as Nambatac wins Finals MVP

Despite suffering a season-ending injury, veteran point guard Jayson Castro provided crucial leadership off the court during Game 6 and Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals, motivating his teammates to secure an 87-83 overtime victory over Barangay Ginebra on Friday, March 28.

Rey Nambatac stepped up in Castro’s absence, scoring a total of 19.9 points per game with 3.4 assists and earning Finals Most Valuable Player honors for his contributions throughout the series.

Nambatac's performance, particularly in Game 7 where he scored 22 points, four assists, and three steals, showcased his readiness to take on leadership responsibilities.

Castro expressed confidence in Nambatac's ability to step up and lead the team, praising him for his performance during the finals despite Castro’s season-ending knee injury.

Coach Josh Reyes highlighted Castro's ongoing influence on team strategy and preparations throughout the series, emphasizing his mentorship role even when physically unable to participate.

TNT’s resilience and determination, fueled by Castro's presence and advice, enabled them to overcome adversity and secure back-to-back titles in Season 49.