PBA: Jordan Heading delivers timely spark in TNT semis opener win

SCHEDULE: 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semifinals

TNT Tropang 5G’s Jordan Heading during a game against Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO — TNT gunner Jordan Heading finally found his rhythm offensively, and it couldn’t have come at a better time than in Game 1 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

On Wednesday at Ynares Sports Center, Heading helped the Tropang 5G beat Meralco, 94-89, to take the 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven affair.

Heading’s contributions came at the perfect time as the Bolts found ways to limit Calvin Oftana.

“They did a great job defending Calvin and we all knew how good (Chris) Newsome is on defense,” coach Chot Reyes said.

“So, it was important that we have another guy stepping up and normally that’s either Ray (Pogoy), Jayson (Castro) and tonight, Jordan (Heading). When we get that scorer, it really helps our offense. It really helps the flow of our game.”

Heading came off the bench for TNT and turned in 16 points, two rebounds and a steal, but his impact stretched beyond the stat sheet.

“He’s been struggling with his shot and offense the whole conference but we’ve been very happy with his defense,” Reyes acknowledged. “There are many ways to impact the game, not just offensively but when his offense is clicking along with that then that’s good for us.”

Heading also helped limit Meralco’s perimeter scorers, with Chris Newsome held to 11 points and CJ Cansino scoring just 12.

Heading said he is also taking it upon himself to become more aggressive defensively.

“They’re really good at executing off the ball so we have to do a better job on the defensive end,” he said.

Heading and the Tropang 5G shoot for a 2-0 lead on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena for Game 2.