“Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

The TNT Tropang Giga continued to assert their early dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a commanding 118–92 victory over the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 28.

With the win, TNT maintained its strong start to the conference, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline against one of the league’s perennial powerhouse franchises. The team set the tone early and never looked back, building a sizable lead that ultimately proved insurmountable for San Miguel.

At the center of TNT’s surge is their high-profile import, Bol Bol, who continues to make a significant impact in his first stint in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league. The former National Basketball Association big man delivered another standout performance, finishing with 34 points and 18 rebounds in approximately 34 minutes of action. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and dominate the glass has quickly made him one of the most talked-about reinforcements in the conference.

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Beyond the stat sheet, however, Bol found himself involved in a heated moment during the third quarter. The 7-foot-2 forward exchanged words with San Miguel veteran Chris Ross during a coach’s challenge on a foul call, briefly adding tension to an otherwise lopsided contest. While the situation appeared intense on the floor, it did not escalate further.

Ross, who is currently sidelined due to injury, downplayed the incident in his postgame remarks, emphasizing that such exchanges are part of the competitive nature of basketball.

‘I JUST TOLD HIM GOOD DEFENSE AND HE TOLD ME WE’RE DOWN 20’

Chris Ross explains the SMB bench’s words with Bol Bol during the third quarter of their match. #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/0RR7sCCDcs

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2026

“He said we were down 20. I said I don’t care. That was it, it was just a little fun. It’s a long talk, it wasn’t much. That was it. It’s always part of the game. We shook hands after the game, he smiled. It is what it is. It’s talk. I’m not gonna fight. I don’t hate him, he doesn’t hate me. It’s just playing basketball and having conversation,” Ross said.

Despite being limited to a spectator role, Ross remained actively engaged from the sidelines, providing leadership and vocal support to his teammates. The veteran guard also took a moment to praise Bol, recognizing the value of having a player of his caliber competing in the PBA.

“I just told him to stay healthy and keep enjoying himself, having fun. He’s good for our league. Having someone of his stature and his profile, it’s really good for the league. He’s a player. He’s tall, he can do everything on the court. He seems like a good guy. So it’s hard to tell when you’re not playing, I can only say what I can see on the sidelines. He just makes the game a lot more fun,” he added.

Ross has yet to suit up in the Commissioner’s Cup as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained during the All-Filipino Conference. The experienced playmaker recently reached a small but significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.

“I just got the boot off yesterday so I’m gonna start my treatments and getting my wind back. In the next couple weeks we will know more. We will see how it reacts to working and how I’m playing. We will see in the next week or two. Whenever I feel healthy, I will be back,” Ross concluded.

While his return timeline remains uncertain, Ross’s presence continues to be felt within the San Miguel camp. Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and championship experience, he remains a key figure in guiding the Beermen through the early stages of the conference, even from the bench.

As for TNT, the victory further solidifies their status as early contenders, with Bol Bol leading a balanced and confident squad. If their current form holds, the Tropang Giga could prove to be one of the most formidable teams in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

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