MANILA, Philippines – TNT may have won the battle but not without a casualty.
The Tropang Giga hold their breath for the status of Jayson Castro after the veteran guard sustained an apparent knee injury in their 93-91 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday, February 28.
Castro, 38, needed to be stretchered out of the PhilSports Arena on the way to the hospital as he hurt his right knee during a drive with three minutes remaining.
“It doesn’t look good but we will find out more now. I’m sure our medical staff is going to be hard at work tonight to give us prognosis,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes after the game.
“You know Jayson, if it’s just minor, he’s not going to take himself out of the game. It appeared to me that it wasn’t a good landing, so hopefully, it’s not bad enough to keep him out of the next game.”
Losing Castro would be a huge blow considering the way he has been performing — his steady play allowing the Tropang Giga to claim a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven affair.
“The Blur” fired a team-high 24 points on a 6-of-7 clip from three-point range in their 88-84 win in the series opener on Wednesday, February 26.
On Friday, Castro chalked up 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists before his departure.
“Very concerning from my standpoint. When I looked at the replay, it’s very concerning, not only for this series, but for Jayson’s well-being long term, his physical fitness, his health,” said Reyes.
“The only thing we can do now is hope and pray.”
With or without Castro, TNT will shoot for a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3 at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 2. – Rappler.com