TNT approaches the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals series with a next-man-up mentality after grizzled veteran Jayson Castro went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac as well as the rest of the Tropang Giga are all doing their share for the cause against a very dangerous and well-equipped Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-seven championship series.

Castro, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in Game 2 of the semifinals against Rain or Shine, may not be physically present as TNT wages war with a familiar foe but his competitive spirit and impact serve as fuel for the team.

The Tropang Giga inspired by their fallen leader, played with a lot of heart and composure in drawing first blood, 95-89, last Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We’re gonna play hard. We’re here to win basketball games. Like what we’ve been saying, it’s next man up and just being ready,” Hollis-Jefferson said.

TNT has won its last four meetings with the Kings starting from the last two games of the season-opening Governors’ Cup championship series.

The Tropang Giga are looking to double their series lead in Game 2 being played as of press time.

Before the start of the series, guard Roger Pogoy and several other TNT crew, visited Castro at his home in Guagua, Pampanga.

After a hearty meal and fun conversation, Castro, who is still in crutches and recovering from his surgery, asked Pogoy to deliver his message to the rest of the team.

“Before we left, he told me: ‘Ger, don’t be afraid and all of you should just play your game. Even without your Kuya Jayson, you guys can do it,’” Pogoy recalled.

Castro also invited his team to his resort after the finals.

His inspiring words lit a fire from underneath the Tropang Giga as they rained down 14 treys led by Pogoy’s five triples to subdue Ginebra in the opener.

Even without the Governors’ Cup Finals Most Valuable Player, TNT’s chances of winning back-to-back crowns this season are far from blurry with all of head coach Chot Reyes’ remaining men stepping up.