Reyes on fielding Troy Rosario vs Magnolia in Game 4: It was for inspirational purposes

Not even a dislocated left pinky finger could stop Troy Rosario from helping his teammates in TNT Tropang Giga's Game 4 win over the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup finals.

The 6-foot-7 cager started for TNT and was able to produce five points, three rebounds, an assist, and a block in 19 minutes of action and although he struggled to churn out his usual number, Reyes still lauded his star forward.

The decorated mentor revealed Rosario was not supposed to suit up for the game after suffering the injury during Sunday's Game 3.

"He shouldn't be playing. The reason why we played him really was for inspirational purposes," Reyes said following their 106-89 victory en route to a 3-1 series lead.

"He said he wanted to try and I thought by him being there, the message of courage was going to rub off on his teammates. Great heart shown by Troy here and I think everyone followed."

"It was really a game-time decision and he told me this morning and right before the game that he felt ready to go."

With Rosario still not at his tip-top shape, other TNT players stepped up big time as they moved a win away from copping the 2021 All-Filipino title, which the franchise last won in 2013.

Rookie Mikey Williams led the way, carving out 26 points, two rebounds, and seven assists while veterans Jayson Castro and Ryan Reyes also keyed the win after combining for 22 markers. — LA, GMA News