PBA: Patrick Gardner, Chris McCullough confident chemistry is good as semis is extended

For both Chris McCullough and Patrick Gardner, chemistry has quickly developed despite having only a short time to train with their respective teams.

On Wednesday, both imports officially made their debuts, with Gardner getting the upper hand as Meralco defeated McCullough’s TNT, 101-90, to tie their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series at 2-2.

“My teammates welcomed me with open arms, so that helped me a lot to get ready to play with them, and it's just been great. They welcomed me in, like I said, and it's been, I think, great chemistry so far,” Gardner said.

Gardner last played in Japan’s B.League with Division 2 squad Fukushima Firebonds. After falling short in the division finals, the American import said he hopes to avoid a similar outcome this conference.

“Yeah, you know, I'm here to do what the team wants, so whatever they need me to do, I want to be able to adjust for them and ultimately try to win the championship,” he said.

“Oh yeah, I don't want to lose in the championship again,” he added.

Meralco import Pat Gardner on his debut with the Bolts yesterday.

Gardner had 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and a steal as Meralco won against TNT, 101-90, to even the series, 2-2 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/GGcZycNmLT

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 28, 2026

McCullough, who last played in the Philippines in 2019, said familiarity with the team has also helped him adjust quickly.

“Chemistry is regular. I know most of the guys,” McCullough said.

“It's only been two days of practice, so tomorrow we're going to work on some things, see if it works, and come back Friday.”

Fresh from a stint in Taiwan, McCullough admitted he is still trying to regain his rhythm and warned opponents about what he can do once he settles in.

“I didn't play basketball in 13 days, this is my first time picking up a basketball in 13 days, so I'm still getting my rhythm, still getting my flow, but once I get going, it'll be scary.”

Chris McCullough on his debut with TNT @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/ywwuBzlFyO

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 28, 2026

—GMA News