WHY JALALON WAS A DNP FOR TNT IN GAME 1 OF PBA FINALS

JIO Jalalon was a DNP (Did Not Play) for TNT in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals.

The livewire veteran admitted being bitten by the flu bug recently, causing him to miss several practices, as the Tropang 5G was preparing to go to war with San Miguel in the best-of-seven series.

Although in uniform and ready to play, Jalalon, 33, was opted not to be utilized by coach Chot Reyes in their 96-91 win Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

READ: TNT turns back last-gasp San Miguel comeback in Game One

"Nagkasakit din kasi ako. May mga na-miss out akong practices namin. Bale isang beses lang ako nakapag-practice," said the product of Arellano by way of Cagayan De Oro City.

This is the first finals stint of Jalalon for the telecommunications franchise, although he has played in five finals and won a crown with Magnolia during the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

The 5-foot-9 Jalalon was a prized acquisition of TNT in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

He averaged 4.06 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as part of Reyes’ second unit.

TNT's enviable depth

The Tropang 5G shot-caller said tapping Jalalon and other free agents like Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill was done primarily to add depth to their roster for bigger battles such as this title showdown with the Beermen.

"The big objective for us was to address our depth. I thought we were able to do that with those additions," Reyes said prior to the finals.

Curiously, Jordan Heading likewise almost missed the series opener after getting sick the day before.

A gametime decision, the Fil-Australian sophomore nonetheless saw action and contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. He had seven in the fourth period, including the four win-sealing free throws for TNT.

2026-01-22T10:15:11Z