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Tag: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

  • Finals tension boils over as TNT, Ginebra set up winner-take-all clash 

    Finals tension boils over as TNT, Ginebra set up winner-take-all clash 

    The numbers alone were enough to make Game 6 an instant classic.

     

    Chris McCullough poured in 53 points and 22 rebounds. Justin Brownlee answered with 52 points. TNT survived, 98-90, and the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals will now be decided in a winner-take-all Game 7.

     

    But by the time the final buzzer sounded on Sunday night, the story had grown far bigger than a battle between two imports.

     

    What unfolded at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was a night where emotion, grief, frustration, and pride all collided, turning an already compelling championship series into something even more intense.

     

    For TNT, the victory was fueled by a purpose that extended beyond the race for a title.

     

    “My motivation was bigger than basketball,” McCullough said. “It’s the two kids who lost their lives and never got the opportunity to play on the big stage. That’s my motivation.

     

    “It’s bigger than basketball. We dedicate this to the two kids who lost their lives.”

     

    McCullough’s performance came just days after Ateneo players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili tragically passed away in a drowning incident during a team-building activity. The TNT import carried that thought with him throughout the game and delivered one of the greatest individual Finals performances in league history.

     

    His coach believed the response was inevitable.

     

    “I think C-Mac just got tired of Justin eating his lunch,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said. “He had another 50-piece today, but C-Mac was able to stay in step with him and I think that’s basically the key.”

     

    The duel had been building all series long.

     

    Brownlee erupted for 54 points in Game 5 to move Ginebra within one win of the championship.

     

    Rather than shrink from the challenge, McCullough elevated his game to match it shot for shot.

     

    In fact, the TNT reinforcement said he saw the showdown coming long before the series began.

     

    “I called it out before this series started. This’ll be one of the greatest PBA matchups that they’ll ever see,” he told the reporters. “I guess we put on a show for everybody but there’s one more thing to do.”

     

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    “I knew it was going to happen. The story’s still being told. We got one more thing to do which is to get Game 7. [The] job’s still not finished but hopefully we get it done.”

     

    Yet while TNT celebrated forcing a decider, the aftermath revealed another layer of tension surrounding the Finals.

     

    For weeks, discussions about officiating have followed the series, with Reyes repeatedly voicing concerns whenever TNT came up short.

     

    On Sunday, however, it was Ginebra coach Tim Cone who pushed back against what he felt was becoming an unfair narrative.

     

    “I’m just getting real tired of the idea that when we win it’s always because we got favored by the referees, but when they win it’s always because of good coaching and great plays,” Cone said. “It’s a narrative that’s getting really old and it’s starting to bother me a little bit. I think it’s unfair.”

     

    Rather than point fingers, Cone chose to focus on what happened between the lines.

     

    “McCullough was awesome tonight,” he said. “We challenged him from the outside and he made big shots from the outside, which broke our backs.”

     

    The Ginebra mentor also acknowledged the struggles of two key playmakers, as Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos combined to shoot just 2-of-18 from the field.

     

    Now, all the narratives — the historic import duel, the emotional motivations, the coaching chess match, and the mounting tension between both camps — converge into one final game.

     

    After six games filled with twists, the Commissioner’s Cup championship will come down to a single night, with neither side lacking motivation as the story reaches its final chapter.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee welcomes challenge of going shot-for-shot with Chris McCullough in PBA Finals duel  

    Justin Brownlee welcomes challenge of going shot-for-shot with Chris McCullough in PBA Finals duel  

    For one night, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals stopped being about TNT and Barangay Ginebra.

     

    It became a two-man stage.

     

    Every possession seemed to orbit around Chris McCullough and Justin Brownlee, two imports unwilling to let their seasons end without a fight. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read TNT 98, Ginebra 90—but the lasting memory was a heavyweight exchange rarely seen in Philippine basketball.

     

    McCullough delivered the game of his life with a career-best 53 points and 22 rebounds. Brownlee answered with 52 points, coming just days after erupting for a personal-best 54 in Game 5.

     

    The result ensured that one of the most dramatic Finals series in recent memory will need a seventh game to settle it.

     

    While the box score will forever show TNT as the winner, Game 6 felt more like a battle of endurance between two stars determined to carry everything on their shoulders.

     

    Every time McCullough landed a punch, Brownlee fired one right back.

     

    Every run was met with a response.

     

    Every momentum swing was challenged.

     

    The duel reached its peak in the closing minutes when the pressure became unbearable and the margin for error disappeared.

     

    That was when McCullough transformed from scorer to closer.

     

    With the game hanging in the balance, the TNT import scored 16 of the team’s final 20 points, repeatedly finding answers whenever Ginebra threatened to make one last charge.

     

    Yet Brownlee refused to surrender.

     

    The resident Ginebra star scored the Kings’ final 15 points, keeping the crowd hopeful and the game alive long after it appeared TNT had seized control.

     

    More than a clash of teams, it became a test of who could stay standing longest.

     

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    McCullough ultimately won that round, helping TNT survive and extending the championship chase by at least one more game.

     

    Still, Brownlee left the floor with the same confidence that has defined his decorated PBA career.

     

    “I give a lot of credit to TNT. Chris McCullough had a big game. This is what the playoffs are made of,” Brownlee said afterwards.

     

    “In big games like this, you just got to step up for your team, and he did that very well,” he added. “I try to do my best as well.”

     

    Brownlee acknowledged that little has separated the two teams throughout the Finals, with every game seemingly decided by a handful of possessions.

     

    The six-game battle has been defined by momentum swings, clutch performances, and razor-thin margins—exactly the ingredients that create unforgettable championship series.

     

    “We didn’t expect it to be easy,” Brownlee said. “Two really good teams who really want to win.”

     

    “The series is not over, and I’m still very confident about that.”

     

    Now, after six games and one unforgettable scoring showdown, the Finals come down to a single night.

     

    One game.

     

    One champion.

     

    And after what McCullough and Brownlee just delivered, Game 7 suddenly feels less like a basketball game and more like the final chapter of a classic.

     

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  • Jayson Castro eyes Game 7 return as TNT fights through injury concerns

    Jayson Castro eyes Game 7 return as TNT fights through injury concerns

    Just when the TNT Tropang 5G forced a winner-take-all Game 7 in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, another challenge emerged. 

     

    Veteran guard Jayson Castro, whose leadership has helped steady TNT throughout the series, became the latest player to join the team’s growing injury list after suffering a sprained ankle in Game 6 against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    Yet if Castro has his way, the injury will not keep him out of the season’s biggest game.

     

    “Che-check lang pero good news, may maga pero ita-try namin makalaro sa Wednesday. Typical na sprained ankle. Namaga siya pero wala namang something na na-damage sa ligaments,” Castro said.

     

    The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter of TNT’s crucial Game 6 victory when Castro landed awkwardly on the foot of Justin Brownlee. Unable to continue, the veteran guard watched the remainder of the contest from the sidelines after finishing with three points, three rebounds, and two assists.

     

    Fortunately for TNT, the loss of one of its leaders did not derail the team’s championship hopes. Chris McCullough delivered a dominant performance and powered the Tropang 5G to a 98-90 victory, allowing TNT to extend the series and set up a final showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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    The initial diagnosis on Castro’s ankle offered a measure of relief. While swelling was evident, medical evaluations revealed no major ligament damage, keeping the door open for the 10-time PBA champion to suit up in Game 7.

     

    “It’s swollen, but we will try to give it a go on Wednesday,” said Castro.


    His determination comes as no surprise considering the impact he has made throughout the Finals. After coach Chot Reyes inserted him into the starting lineup three games ago, Castro immediately became a stabilizing force for TNT. 

     

    Beyond his offensive contributions, he was tasked with helping lead the defensive effort against Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos, a role that proved critical as the series tightened. Castro’s health, however, is only one part of TNT’s growing concern.

     

    The Tropang 5G entered Game 6 already missing Calvin Oftana, who is dealing with a calf strain, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who continues to recover from an ankle injury. Both remained unavailable as TNT fought to keep its title hopes alive.

     

    “That’s going to be a game-time decision. Our PTs are working double-time on them,” coach Chot Reyes said. 

     

    As much as the team is pushing to get healthy, Reyes acknowledged the reality that comes with preparing for a championship-deciding contest on short recovery time.

     

    “Calvin has a strain so that’s very hard. Brandon, I think, has a better chance because it’s an inversion, an act of sprain. But then the problem is we might have lost Jayson again. Good thing we have one game left because we’re losing men quicker than I’m losing hair,” he said.

     

    With the championship now hanging on a single game, TNT’s focus extends beyond strategy and scouting reports. 

     

    The next few days will be spent racing against time, hoping key pieces can recover in time for one final push. And while Castro’s ankle remains swollen, the veteran guard appears unwilling to let injury stand between him and another opportunity to compete for a title.

     

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  • “It’s getting crazy”: Tim Cone fires back at TNT’s management over ‘unfair officiating’ narrative

    “It’s getting crazy”: Tim Cone fires back at TNT’s management over ‘unfair officiating’ narrative

    The TNT Tropang 5G moved one win away from a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup title after edging Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 98-90, in Game 6 of the 2026 Finals on Sunday, June 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, forcing a decisive Game 7 in a fiercely contested best-of-seven series tied at 3-3.

     

    Backed by a raucous crowd of 22,731 fans, TNT delivered when it mattered most, leaning on a historic performance from former San Miguel Beermen import Chris McCullough. The high-flying forward erupted for 53 points and 22 rebounds in a dominant all-around display, carrying the Tropang 5G through crucial stretches and setting the tone on both ends of the floor as TNT extended the series to the limit.

     

    McCullough’s scoring outburst proved too much for Ginebra to contain, especially in the second half, where TNT repeatedly capitalized on mismatches and second-chance opportunities to build separation. His relentless activity on the glass and ability to score through contact proved decisive in a game defined by intensity and physicality.

     

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    Despite the defeat, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone dominated headlines after the game, voicing frustration over what he described as a growing narrative surrounding officiating throughout the series. Cone, visibly emotional during and after the contest, pushed back against repeated suggestions that refereeing decisions had influenced the outcomes of the finals.

     

    “I’m just getting real tired of the idea that if we win, it’s because we got favors from the referees. And when they win, it’s about great coaching and great play. It’s a narrative that’s getting really old, and it’s starting to bother me a little bit,” Cone said in the postgame press conference.

    Although Cone did not directly name TNT head coach Chot Reyes, his remarks appeared to address ongoing criticisms from the Tropang 5G camp regarding officiating, particularly surrounding free-throw disparities in earlier games of the series.

     

    The Ginebra tactician further expressed disbelief over what he perceives as inconsistent framing of the series depending on the outcome.

     

    “It’s unfair. I have coached against Ginebra for 27 years. It’s now gotten to a point where it’s gotten crazy. It’s the referees for us, and it’s great coaching and great plays for them,” he added.

     

    The tension between both camps has added another layer of drama to what has already become one of the most tightly contested PBA Finals in recent memory, with momentum swinging back and forth since Game 1.

     

    Even in defeat, Cone found positives in Ginebra’s performance, highlighting the contributions of his core players including Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, and Scottie Thompson, along with several younger teammates who stepped into larger roles under pressure.

     

    “You’re not gonna see that very often, so we are gonna feel good about ourselves in Game 7. We know we can take this and we are gonna go for it. I just hope that if we do win, they don’t turn around and say it’s about the referees again,” Cone concluded.

     

    With the series now locked at 3-3, all eyes turn to a winner-take-all Game 7 scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where TNT and Ginebra will battle for the Commissioner’s Cup crown in what promises to be a dramatic finale.

     

     

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  • After 52-point effort, Justin Brownlee remains confident as Ginebra heads into do-or-die Game 7

    After 52-point effort, Justin Brownlee remains confident as Ginebra heads into do-or-die Game 7

    Just days after pouring in a career-high 54 points to put Barangay Ginebra one win away from the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title, Brownlee returned with another offensive masterpiece on Sunday night. 


    This time, he scored 52 points in Game 6, becoming the driving force behind another determined Ginebra push toward the championship.

     

    Yet when the final buzzer sounded, Brownlee’s latest scoring spectacle became a footnote to an even larger story.

     

    Across the floor, TNT import Chris McCullough matched every punch and delivered one of his own, erupting for 53 points to lift the Tropang 5G to a 98-90 victory and extend the championship series to a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.

     

    The result transformed Game 6 from a potential coronation into a classic duel between two imports unwilling to let their teams fall.

     

    For much of the night, Brownlee and McCullough traded baskets and momentum swings, carrying the offensive burden for their respective squads in a throwback performance that harkened back to an era when imports were expected to dominate the biggest moments.

     

    The league had not witnessed opposing imports score at least 50 points each in the same game for 37 years. The last occurrence came in the 1989 Reinforced Conference when Ennis Wheatley scored 50 points for San Miguel while Carlos Briggs erupted for 60 in a high-scoring showdown won by San Miguel, 150-136.

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    Game 6 added another chapter to that exclusive list.

     

    “As imports, that’s how it’s got to be,” Brownlee told reporters after the game. “A big game like this you just have to step up for your team, obviously [McCullough] did that very well, I tried to do my best as well.”

     

    Brownlee’s 52 points followed his 54-point outburst in Game 5, giving him an astonishing 106 points over the last two contests. But while the scoring numbers have been historic, the veteran import was left focused on the only statistic that mattered most — the final score.

     

    “We just want to go out there and win. We want to put our best foot forward. I tried to play the best that I could for our team, but unfortunately that performance didn’t mean anything because we lost,” he said.

     

    “I give a lot of credit to TNT. Obviously Chris had a great game. This is what the playoffs are made of. We didn’t expect it to be easy. That’s what it is. Two really good teams who really want to win.”

    Despite the setback, Brownlee remains unfazed by the challenge ahead.

     

    The six-time PBA champion said he never expected the Finals to be settled easily, especially against a TNT squad that has repeatedly found answers throughout the series. With one game left to decide the championship, he believes Ginebra remains in a strong position.

     

    “I still feel like I have a lot left,” Brownlee said. “This series is far from over. We’re still very confident. As long as this series is going, I still have a lot left in the tank.”

     

    That confidence may be exactly what Ginebra needs heading into the season’s biggest game. Brownlee has already delivered back-to-back scoring performances for the ages. 

     

    But after 54 points in Game 5 and 52 more in Game 6 still proved insufficient to secure the title, the challenge now becomes even greater. The numbers have been historic. The stage is now set for one final act.

     

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  • After Justin Brownlee’s 54-point explosion, Ginebra stands one win from redemption 

    After Justin Brownlee’s 54-point explosion, Ginebra stands one win from redemption 

    One game can change the story of a championship series. For Barangay Ginebra, Game 5 may have done exactly that.

     

    What looked like a looming defeat suddenly transformed into one of the most memorable victories in franchise history, thanks to Justin Brownlee’s unforgettable 54-point explosion. Now, the Gin Kings head into Sunday’s Game 6 carrying more than just a 3-2 lead — they carry momentum, belief, and a chance to rewrite a painful chapter from a year ago.

     

    Standing in their way is a TNT squad determined to force one final showdown.

     

    The PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals return to the Smart Araneta Coliseum with everything at stake. A Ginebra victory delivers the championship. A TNT win sends the series to a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.

     

    For Ginebra, the opportunity feels familiar. Perhaps too familiar.

     

    The Kings also held a 3-2 advantage over TNT in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals before watching the title slip away in the final two games. That collapse remains fresh in the minds of players, coaches, and fans alike.

     

    This time, they have no interest in letting history repeat itself.

     

    The biggest reason for that confidence wears No. 32.

     

    Brownlee authored one of the greatest Finals performances the league has ever seen on Independence Day, carrying Ginebra from the brink of defeat to a dramatic 100-95 overtime victory.

     

    The three-time Best Import looked like a man unwilling to lose.

     

    TNT appeared poised to seize control of the series. Chris McCullough dominated with 38 points and 16 rebounds, while Roger Pogoy chipped in 23. The Tropang 5G led by as many as 11 points in the third quarter and still held an 87-80 advantage with less than four minutes remaining.

     

    Then Brownlee took over.

     

    The veteran import ignited a personal scoring blitz that completely changed the game, erasing the deficit and pushing Ginebra ahead late in regulation. Even after TNT forced overtime, Brownlee remained relentless, scoring key baskets that finally buried the defending champions.

     

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    “I just wanted to be aggressive for my team,” said Brownlee, who also hauled down 14 rebounds. “TNT played very tough and very hard, but we just showed never-say-die tonight.”

     

    His 54 points set a new personal scoring record, surpassing the 51 he scored against San Miguel during last season’s Governors’ Cup eliminations.

     

    The performance instantly joined the short list of iconic Finals outings in PBA history.

     

    Yet for TNT, the bigger concern isn’t Brownlee’s scoring.

     

    It’s finding a way to survive another elimination game.

     

    Head coach Chot Reyes once again voiced frustration over the officiating after Game 5, pointing to the disparity in free throw attempts between the two teams.

     

    “Excellent officiating, 29-17, in the free throws, you can’t beat a strong Ginebra team like that,” Reyes said after emerging from the TNT dugout. “Kung gumanda lang ng kaunti ang tawagan, maybe a little more parity in free throws, maybe we could have a chance.”

     

    Reyes has repeatedly raised concerns throughout the series, but the defending champions know they cannot afford to dwell on missed opportunities.

     

    Their season now hangs by a thread.

     

    McCullough remains capable of taking over a game. Pogoy has delivered in big moments throughout the Finals. Calvin Oftana and the rest of TNT’s local core will be expected to provide the support necessary to extend the series.

     

    For Ginebra, meanwhile, the equation is simple.

     

    One more win.

     

    One more victory and the Kings complete their revenge mission, dethrone the defending champions, and erase the memories of last season’s heartbreak.

     

    The question now is whether Brownlee has one more masterpiece left — or if TNT can force a final act.

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra, TNT square off in Game 5 after series gets knotted at 2-2 

    Barangay Ginebra, TNT square off in Game 5 after series gets knotted at 2-2 

    With the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals now tied at 2-2, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang 5G shift into a decisive stretch as they clash in a pivotal Game 5 on Friday, June 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    The series has effectively turned into a virtual best-of-three after TNT leveled the matchup with a 106-98 victory in Game 4, halting Ginebra’s momentum and forcing a reset heading into the crucial fifth contest.

     

    TNT’s response in Game 4 was powered by Jordan Heading’s 29-point eruption and steady support from Jayson Castro, who added 14 points in a performance that underscored his continued value in high-pressure moments. 

     

    The win not only evened the series but also spoiled what could have been a celebration night for Ginebra’s individual awardees.

     

    The Tropang 5G successfully delayed the potential 3-1 deficit, flipping the narrative after a strong bounce-back showing that featured timely shot-making and control down the stretch.

    For Ginebra, the loss did not come without production from its stars. 

     

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    Justin Brownlee, fresh off receiving his fourth Best Import award, still delivered 32 points in Game 4, while Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos contributed 21 markers in a balanced offensive effort that ultimately fell short.

     

    However, shooting efficiency proved to be the difference, as the Gin Kings struggled from deep, connecting on just five of 21 attempts from three-point range—an area they will need to improve heading into Game 5.

     

    Game 4 also stood out for its competitiveness, as neither team managed to establish a significant early separation. 

     

    That tightly contested flow ultimately played into TNT’s favor, with Heading’s scoring bursts and Castro’s composure helping stabilize the game in key stretches.

     

    From Ginebra’s perspective, the challenge now shifts toward rediscovering the consistency that has defined its Finals run, particularly in closing out possessions and generating cleaner perimeter looks.

     

    As the series moves forward, both squads enter Game 5 knowing the margin for error has effectively disappeared. 

     

    With momentum swinging back and forth, Friday night’s matchup is expected to further test adjustments, execution, and late-game decision-making from both championship contenders.

     

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  • Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Before Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals even tipped off, Barangay Ginebra had already secured two major victories.

     

    RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee were officially recognized as the conference’s top local and import performers, giving the Gin Kings a clean sweep of the individual honors and further highlighting the depth of talent that powered their latest championship push.

     

    For Abarrientos, the award represented more than just statistical excellence. It marked the next milestone in a career that has steadily moved from promise to production.

     

    The sophomore guard entered the season carrying expectations after a successful rookie campaign. By the end of the conference, he had established himself as one of the league’s premier backcourt weapons.

     

    His defining stretch came during the semifinals against Rain or Shine.

     

    With the series hanging in the balance, Abarrientos elevated his game exactly when Ginebra needed it most. He averaged 22.0 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.

     

    More importantly, he delivered when the pressure peaked.

     

    The former Korean Basketball League and B.League standout erupted for 31 points in Game 5 before following it up with another 30-point performance in the series-clinching Game 6 victory, helping Ginebra return to the Finals.

     

    Those performances proved enough to overcome players who had spent most of the conference atop the race.

     

    Despite finishing third in statistical points with 37.2, Abarrientos surged ahead through media and player votes to collect 1,147 total points, comfortably beating Robert Bolick, June Mar Fajardo, Ricci Rivero, and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

     

    The award also carried family significance.

     

    Abarrientos now joins his uncle Johnny Abarrientos in the list of Best Player of the Conference winners. Remarkably, he reached the achievement faster than the PBA legend, claiming the honor in only his second season.

     

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    If Abarrientos represented the league’s future, Brownlee continued proving why he remains one of its enduring standards.

     

    At 38 years old, the Ginebra resident import added another chapter to an already legendary résumé by claiming his fourth Best Import award.

     

    The recognition moved him into a tie for second all-time among import award winners, trailing only Bobby Parks Sr., whose seven trophies remain the benchmark.

     

    Brownlee’s latest triumph was built on consistency.

     

    While several imports delivered explosive performances throughout the conference, none matched his ability to produce at a high level every night while guiding his team through the toughest stages of the tournament.

     

    During the semifinals, Brownlee averaged 29.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks, serving as the centerpiece of Ginebra’s offense and defense.

     

    His biggest challenger was Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson, who opened their semifinal series with a dominant 40-point, 19-rebound performance.

     

    But as the series progressed, Brownlee’s steady brilliance separated him from the field.

     

    By the close of voting, Brownlee accumulated 1,284 points to comfortably finish ahead of Johnson, TNT reinforcement Chris McCullough, and Meralco’s Patrick Gardner.

     

    McCullough and Gardner entered the race under unusual circumstances, both arriving as replacement imports after Bol Bol and Marvin Jones exited their respective teams during the conference.

     

    In the end, however, the awards reflected two very different stories converging on the same stage.

     

    One belonged to a rising star who announced himself as one of the league’s new faces.

     

    The other belonged to a veteran who continues to redefine longevity and excellence.

     

    Together, Abarrientos and Brownlee ensured that before the Finals battle resumed, Barangay Ginebra had already claimed the conference’s highest individual honors.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    For most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Stephen Holt’s contributions could not be measured by points.

     

    His defensive assignments, floor spacing, and ability to fit seamlessly into Barangay Ginebra’s system rarely showed up in the box score. Through the first two games against TNT, Holt managed just a single point, yet remained a fixture in coach Tim Cone’s rotation.

     

    That changed dramatically in Game 3.

     

    Holt erupted for 23 points and provided the early spark that helped Ginebra seize control en route to a convincing 116-102 victory, giving the Gin Kings a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    For teammate RJ Abarrientos, the performance was less of a surprise and more of a reminder of what makes Ginebra dangerous.

     

    “Si Scuba, (Stephen Holt’s nickname in the team), isa sa mga beterano namin. Isa sa mga go-to-guy namin ‘yan,” said Abarrientos.

     

    “Ang nakikita lang kasi ng tao siyempre ‘yung mga stats eh. About Scuba, sa loob ng court, ang laking factor ‘yun sa amin. Kita niyo naman. Hindi kami pinahiya sa first quarter. Siya ‘yung spark plug, siya nag-start ng offense namin.

     

    “Dahan-dahan, nakuha na namin lahat ng tira namin. Sobrang nakita namin ‘yung Scuba na kailangan namin ngayong Game 3.”

     

    In many ways, Holt’s explosion reflected the identity Ginebra has embraced throughout the conference.

     

    Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two scorers, the Gin Kings have built a roster where different players can carry the offense depending on the matchup and the flow of the game.

     

    Earlier in the Finals, Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Abarrientos himself all had moments where they shouldered the scoring load. Game 3 simply became Holt’s turn.

     

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    According to Abarrientos, it was only a matter of time.

     

    “Siya talaga ‘yung hinihintay namin. Nagsimula nung dumating sila sa Ginebra, sila ‘yung pinaka go-to namin. Hindi na kami nagulat na ganun ‘yung gagawin niya sa team,” said Abarrientos.

     

    The timing could not have been better.

     

    Facing a TNT squad determined to reclaim momentum after its Game 2 victory, Ginebra needed another offensive option to complement Brownlee and prevent the Tropang 5G defense from focusing on a single player.

     

    Holt delivered exactly that, helping the Kings build a massive early lead that ultimately proved too much for TNT to overcome.

     

    More importantly, his breakout reinforced what Abarrientos views as the team’s greatest advantage heading deeper into the Finals.

     

    “‘Yun ‘yung maganda sa sistema namin with Ginebra. Hindi mo alam kung sino ang iiskor sa amin. Hindi rin about sa stats eh. After the game, stats lagi ‘yung tinitignan. (Game 3) si Scuba, si Scottie, lahat kami, JB, kahit sino ilagay mo,” said Abarrientos.

     

    With Game 4 looming and TNT expected to make another round of adjustments, Ginebra enters the pivotal contest knowing it possesses something every championship contender covets: multiple players capable of becoming the difference-maker on any given night.

     

    In Game 3, that player happened to be Stephen Holt. The challenge for TNT now is figuring out who it will be next.

     

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  • “Excellent officiating”: Chot Reyes delivers sarcastic take on officiating after TNT’s Game 3 loss to Ginebra

    “Excellent officiating”: Chot Reyes delivers sarcastic take on officiating after TNT’s Game 3 loss to Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of another Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) championship after securing a commanding 116-102 victory over TNT Tropang 5G in Game 3 of the PBA Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, June 7.

     

    The Gin Kings delivered one of their most complete performances of the series, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship showdown behind another stellar display from resident import Justin Brownlee. The veteran forward once again proved why he remains one of the most dominant imports in PBA history, finishing with 41 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals while controlling the game’s tempo on both ends of the floor.

     

    Brownlee received ample support from Ginebra’s local stars. Stephen Holt continued his impressive Finals campaign with 23 points, providing crucial scoring whenever TNT threatened to cut into the lead. Meanwhile, Scottie Thompson showcased his all-around brilliance by recording a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, becoming the engine that kept Ginebra’s offense humming throughout the contest.

     

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    Despite the lopsided scoreline, the postgame discussion quickly shifted to TNT’s frustrations with the officiating. Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes did not hide his displeasure during the postgame press conference, delivering a sarcastic assessment of the referees’ performance.

     

    “Excellent officiating today. I have to commend the officiating crew. Excellent officiating,” Reyes said.

    The veteran coach was visibly animated throughout the game, repeatedly voicing his concerns over several calls and non-calls that he felt disadvantaged his squad. TNT finished the contest with 25 personal fouls, compared to Ginebra’s 19, a disparity that appeared to fuel Reyes’ frustrations on the sidelines.

     

    Still, Reyes refused to place the blame for the defeat solely on the officials, acknowledging that Ginebra were the superior team on the night. He pointed to TNT’s inability to take care of the basketball as a major factor in the loss, with turnovers proving costly against a disciplined and opportunistic Ginebra side.

     

    “They shot extremely well, gotta give it to them. We gave up 20 turnover points,” he added.

     

    Indeed, Ginebra capitalized on nearly every mistake TNT made, converting turnovers into easy baskets and maintaining control for much of the contest. The Gin Kings’ efficient shooting and relentless defensive pressure prevented TNT from establishing any sustained momentum, allowing Ginebra to gradually pull away as the game progressed.

     

    The victory places Ginebra in a strong position as they chase yet another PBA title, but the series remains far from over. TNT has shown throughout the conference that it possesses the talent and resilience to bounce back from adversity, and Reyes will be looking for a more disciplined performance from his players in the next outing.

     

    With the Tropang 5G now facing a series deficit, the pressure shifts squarely onto TNT as it seeks to avoid falling into a dangerous 3-1 hole. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, where TNT will attempt to level the series and regain momentum, while Ginebra aims to move one step closer to another championship celebration.

     

     

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