THE 2021 PBA Philippine Cup finale is now a series that may require more from the combatants given the subplot that developed in Game 3.
It could be a tougher test of physical and mental toughness now than the previous games after the dangerous fall of Troy Rosario and the postgame remarks posted on social media.
And it's a critical game with the Magnolia Hotshots having a chance to even up and increase momentum following their 106-98 triumph Sunday.
The TNT Tropang Giga, meanwhile, look to pick up the pieces of that Game 3 loss as they resume their drive towards a first championship since their 2015 Commissioner's Cup title run.
Game 4 tipoff is at 6 p.m. at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
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Before the game, the league is naming the Davco-PBA Best Player of the Conference.
The contenders are Magnolia's Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang, TNT's Mikey Williams, NorthPort's Robert Bolick and San Miguel Beer's June Mar Fajardo.
Then the Hotshots and the Tropang Giga slug it out in a battle that is expected to be rugged and fierce.
Adding color to the series was Poy Erram going to Instagram to accuse an unnamed opponent of intentionally hurting and even spitting others.
Meanwhile, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero refuted allegations that they're playing dirty.
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"We play physical, we play hard but we don't play dirty. Malaki ang kaibahan non," said Victolero.
And they intend to battle the Tropang Giga hustle for hustle. "As long as we stick to our system and play (good) defense, we have a chance (against TNT)," said Victolero.
The Tropang Giga vow to play hard and compete with or without Rosario.
"We just prepare the best we can for each game," said Reyes, who may miss Rosario for the injuries suffered in his fall.
Aside from the dislocated finger, Rosario was also diagnosed with a spinal shock which affects his left leg.
Magnolia will have a full complement since Jackson Corpuz escaped suspension though his flagrant foul-penalty 1 was upgraded to FFP2 upon review by the PBA technical officials of the game video. (SB)
