TNT's Calvin Oftana in action against Rain or Shine in Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinal series, March 5, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images

MANILA -- Jayson Castro's unfortunate season-ending injury has spurred his TNT teammates to step up during their campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.

Among the players who embraced the challenge is versatile swingman Calvin Oftana, who broke out of a mini-slump to play a key role in the Tropang GIGA's semifinal series against Rain or Shine.

After a meager 10-point average on a 7-of-21 shooting (33 percent) in Games 2 and 3, Oftana summoned back his old deadly touch and sizzled with a team-high 26-on a 12-of-21 shooting as TNT took Game 4, 93-85, for a 3-1 lead.

The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay followed this up with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double to lead the local support for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (42-11) as the Tropang Giga sealed the clincher in Game 5, 97-92, to set another title duel with old rival Barangay Ginebra.

READ: RHJ takes over as TNT ousts Rain or Shine to capture first Finals ticket

For his strong outing at such a pivotal stage, Oftana was named the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for the period March 5 to 7.

"Malaking bagay kapag nakapag-contribute ako sa team para manalo kami, lalo na ngayong wala si Kuya Jayson," said the 28-year-old, stressing that every healthy body in the TNT fold is carrying the same mindset as they try to make it a "twin-kill" in Season 49 sans Castro after their triumph in the season-opening Governors' Cup.

"It's not just about me naman, eh, iyung mga effort ng kasama ko (are as crucial). Yung intangibles, like si Kim (Aurin), more sa depensa, si Kuya Kelly (Williams), yung leadership niya sa loob, ang presensya niya sa pagbantay kay (ROS import) Deon (Thompson), yung mga ganyang bagay," he added.

Oftana beat Barangay Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos and Jamie Malonzo, who were instrumental in the Gin Kings' finals-clinching 126-99 romp over NorthPort, and TNT teammate Rey Nambatac for the last POW citation for the mid-season conference given by the men and women covering the PBA beat from different broadsheets, tabloids, and online platforms.

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