Chot Reyes unleashes tough love on his players after TNT’s Game 3 loss to Rain or Shine

The TNT Tropang Giga started the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series in fine form, taking a 2–0 lead over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

However, they gave the Elasto Painters a way back into the series after losing Game 3, 107–86, on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT head coach Chot Reyes was visibly frustrated with his players during the loss, often pictured making a “use your brain” gesture toward them.

The gesture was first seen in Game 2, when he directed it toward Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser at the 9:28 mark of the third quarter after the center committed back-to-back fouls against Rain or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito. Reyes was livid with Ganuelas-Rosser.

“That’s the kind of coach I am. My players know they will hear it from me directly. That’s the culture we have on our team. That’s how we communicate.

We knew how physical and how hard Rain or Shine was going to come at us, and we said to be smart about it—to be strong, to be physical, to hit when they hit, and to hit back. But to be smart about it.

#WATCH: Chot Reyes owns up to TNT’s Game 3 loss, saying there are no excuses despite their manpower woes 🏀

📹 @justinebacnis/ Tiebreaker Times#PBA2025 pic.twitter.com/99AxT0OXgl

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 29, 2025

I thought we had some not-too-smart plays—not only basketball-wise, but also in other areas,” Reyes said.

In Game 3, Reyes was again seen furious—this time at Keith Datu Aurin, who committed an unnecessary foul with just 0.8 seconds left in the first half. In frustration, Reyes even kicked the LED advertisement board near the TNT dugout.

“Direct to the point. We don’t sugarcoat things. If the players can’t take that, then they cannot play on this team,” he added.

Notably, this marks the third consecutive conference in which TNT has faced Rain or Shine in the semifinals—and they’ve dominated each time. In the Season 49 Governors’ Cup, TNT defeated the Elasto Painters 4–1 and repeated the same result in the Commissioner’s Cup. TNT went on to win the championship in both tournaments and is now eyeing a rare Grand Slam.

The pivotal Game 4 between Rain or Shine and TNT will take place on Wednesday, July 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.