Playing Through the Pain
Despite dealing with a swollen right ankle, Troy Rosario remains determined to contribute to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT. The veteran forward played a key role in Game 1, despite having just one practice session during the week-long break between the semifinals and the championship series.
Limited Yet Crucial Contribution
Rosario, who started for Ginebra, played for 34 minutes and 9 seconds, finishing with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Aware of his importance to the team’s rotation, he pushed through the discomfort to stay on the court. “It’s the finals, we need to endure it. My minutes are important to the team, and I know my absence would be a big loss,” Rosario stated.
Injury and Recovery
The 6-foot-7 forward sustained the ankle injury during Ginebra’s dominant Game 5 victory over NorthPort in the semifinals on March 7. He then underwent six days of rehab and was classified as a “game-time decision” for Game 1.
Fighting Through the Discomfort
Rosario admitted that his ankle was still swollen during Game 1 and not fully healed. He managed to play with the help of pain relievers but acknowledged that he was not at 100% capacity. “The pain is still there, but I can endure it. The pain reliever helped reduce it,” he said after the game.
Despite the setback, Rosario’s resilience and commitment to Ginebra’s cause highlight his dedication to the team’s championship pursuit.