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Tag: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

  • PBA Finals: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang 5G — Game 4 preview and match predictions

    PBA Finals: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang 5G — Game 4 preview and match predictions

    With the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals reaching a critical stage, both Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang 5G enter Game 4 knowing the direction of the series could be decided by what happens Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Ginebra regained control of the championship showdown with a convincing 116-102 victory in Game 3, using a blistering start and relentless defensive pressure to build a lead that TNT never fully recovered from. The win gave the Gin Kings a 2-1 advantage, but history has prevented them from becoming too comfortable.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone has repeatedly stressed that a series is far from over at 2-1. The veteran tactician still remembers Ginebra’s painful collapse against TNT in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals when the Gin Kings held a 3-2 lead before losing the final two games. Similar experiences against San Miguel in recent conferences have reinforced the message inside the Ginebra locker room: finish the job before celebrating.

     

    The Kings will once again lean on their battle-tested core led by Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt. Brownlee remains the steadying force of the team, while Abarrientos continues to strengthen his case for Best Player of the Conference after another solid Finals performance.

     

    On the other side, TNT enters Game 4 searching for answers after one of its most uneven outings of the series.

     

    Import Chris McCullough delivered his best performance since returning to the PBA, exploding for 44 points and 13 rebounds. Roger Pogoy added 28 points, but the defending champions received little production elsewhere.

     

    Much of the spotlight now falls on Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac, who were instrumental in TNT’s Game 2 victory but struggled badly in Game 3. Oftana scored only two points after erupting for 31 in the previous game, while Nambatac was held scoreless.

     

    TNT coach Chot Reyes pointed to turnovers and Ginebra’s efficient shooting as the major reasons behind the loss. If the Tropang 5G hope to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, their local stars will need to provide significantly more support to McCullough.

     

    With momentum hanging in the balance, Game 4 presents an opportunity for Ginebra to tighten its grip on the series or for TNT to once again prove its resilience.

     

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    Predictions & Outlook

     

    Ginebra enters as the slight favorite after rediscovering its offensive rhythm and successfully limiting TNT’s supporting cast in Game 3.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to continue disrupting TNT’s perimeter scorers while allowing Brownlee and Abarrientos to dictate the pace offensively. Their ability to generate turnovers and convert them into easy baskets proved decisive in the previous game.

     

    TNT’s chances will largely depend on whether Oftana and Nambatac can return to form. McCullough has already shown he can carry the scoring load, but the Tropang 5G need more balance if they hope to keep pace with Ginebra’s deeper rotation.

     

    Expect another physical and highly competitive contest as both teams make adjustments following Sunday’s result.

     

    Key Factors

     

    Calvin Oftana’s response after being limited to just two points in Game 3.

     

    Chris McCullough’s offensive production following his 44-point explosion.

     

    Justin Brownlee’s leadership and Finals experience.

     

    Turnover battle, which heavily favored Ginebra in the previous game.

     

    Bench contributions and secondary scoring from both sides.

     

    What’s at Stake

     

    Game 4 could become the defining moment of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    A Ginebra victory would move the Gin Kings one win away from another championship and place TNT on the brink of elimination.

     

    A TNT win would level the series at 2-2 and completely reset the Finals, transforming it into a best-of-three battle for the title.

     

    With the championship race tightening and adjustments becoming increasingly crucial, Wednesday’s showdown may ultimately determine who gains the upper hand in the final stretch of the series.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos laughs off BPC talk, keeps eyes on Ginebra’s title chase 

    RJ Abarrientos laughs off BPC talk, keeps eyes on Ginebra’s title chase 

    For a player sitting atop the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference race, RJ Abarrientos seemed far more interested in cracking jokes than talking about individual accolades.

     

    As the league prepares to hand out its conference awards ahead of Game 4 of the Finals, the Barangay Ginebra guard found himself at the center of conversations surrounding the BPC plum. But rather than embracing the spotlight, Abarrientos quickly redirected attention to the only race he believes matters right now — the one for the championship.

     

    “Siyempre thankful ako, grateful ako,” Abarrientos said when asked about being the frontrunner for the award.

     

    Then came a response only he could deliver.

     

    “Nag-number one ako dati sa school, noisy lang,” he said with a laugh. “Number one noisy ako tapos pinapalabas ako ng teacher.”

     

    The room erupted in laughter as the 25-year-old continued the story.

     

    “Ngayon may pagkakataon na mag-number one, tapos ngayon sa basketball,” he added. “Dati kasi pinapalabas lang ako pag maingay sa school.”

     

    The lighthearted exchange reflected the personality that has made Abarrientos one of the league’s most relatable young stars. But beneath the humor lies a player fully locked in on Ginebra’s quest for another title.

     

    The sophomore guard made it clear that personal recognition takes a backseat to the bigger objective.

     

    “Game goes on,” he said.

     

    “Hindi ko tinitingnan yung individual awards. Kailangan na namin makuha yung Game 4, masarado namin at magtuloy-tuloy yung Finals.”

     

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    That mindset has helped fuel another breakout conference for Abarrientos.

     

    After capturing Rookie of the Year honors last season, the former Korean Basketball League standout has elevated his game further, becoming one of Ginebra’s most dependable weapons throughout the Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    His impact was once again evident in Game 3 against TNT, where he delivered 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds while knocking down key baskets that helped preserve the Gin Kings’ lead during a late Tropang 5G rally.

     

    Those performances have pushed him to the top of the BPC standings, putting him in line to add another individual achievement to an already growing list of accomplishments.

     

    Still, Abarrientos remains amused more than anything by the attention.

     

    “Yun nga,” he said. “Nagulat din ako kasi dati talaga number one sa noisy.”

     

    “Hindi lang sa academics.”

     

    Despite Ginebra holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven Finals, Abarrientos knows the series is far from over.

     

    The former Far Eastern University standout expects TNT to come back with adjustments and believes Ginebra must be ready to respond if it hopes to move closer to the championship.

     

    “Malayo pa,” he said. “Makakapag-adjust sila. Let’s see kung ano yung maia-adjust namin.”

     

    For now, discussions about trophies and awards can wait.

     

    Abarrientos may be leading the BPC race, but as far as he is concerned, the most important number is still four — the number of wins needed to bring another championship to Barangay Ginebra.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee backs Knicks to win NBA Finals, reveals favorite NBA team

    Justin Brownlee backs Knicks to win NBA Finals, reveals favorite NBA team

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most successful and battle-tested franchises, securing a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after a commanding performance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7.

     

    The Gin Kings showcased a balanced and disciplined offensive attack, anchored by resident import Justin Brownlee, who delivered yet another standout performance with a game-high 41 points. Brownlee’s scoring brilliance set the tone from the opening tip, consistently keeping Ginebra in control of the tempo while forcing their Finals opponents to adjust defensively throughout the contest.

     

    Supporting Brownlee’s offensive explosion were key contributions from Stephen Holt, who added 23 points, and rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, who chipped in 15 points in a poised and energetic performance on the big stage. The trio’s combined effort helped sustain Ginebra’s offensive pressure and ensured that the team maintained momentum at critical stretches of the game.

     

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    While Brownlee’s on-court dominance continues to define Ginebra’s Finals campaign, his journey to becoming one of the PBA’s most impactful imports has been shaped by a long and unconventional basketball career that nearly saw him establish himself in the NBA.

     

    Before becoming a cornerstone of the Gin Kings’ championship success, Brownlee had a brief stint in the United States professional basketball system, including a stint with the New York Knicks organization ahead of the 2013–14 NBA season. He was signed by the franchise and participated in team activities and preparations, but ultimately did not see regular-season action after suffering a setback during the preseason.

     

    “They signed me, but unfortunately it was like a non-guaranteed contract. I was signed and then I unfortunately had an injury. So the team cut me. So I did the media day and did all those things. I was going to suit up for preseason, but unfortunately I had an ankle injury. I broke my ankle. A bone in my ankle,” Brownlee said.

    Despite the disappointment of that early setback, Brownlee recalled the experience as a valuable learning opportunity, particularly the chance to be surrounded by established NBA talent and coaching staff during his time with the Knicks organization.

     

    “Carmelo Anthony was there for sure. You had Raymond Felton, Ron Artest, Amare Stoudemire was there. I think he was injured maybe. JR Smith, I think, was there. Iman Shumpert. Coach Mike Woodson was cool. He was a very hard, tough coach. He was definitely hard on the players, very tough, very defensive minded, but really a good coach,” he added.

     

    Now a veteran at 38 years old, Brownlee has built a legacy far beyond that early NBA experience. He has become one of the most decorated and influential imports in PBA history, playing a central role in Barangay Ginebra’s sustained success over multiple championship runs.

     

    In a recent media interaction, Brownlee also reflected on his personal NBA fandom during his younger years, revealing a strong admiration for the Los Angeles Lakers during the Kobe Bryant era.

     

    “To be honest, I don’t really have a team now. When Kobe Bryant was with the Los Angeles Lakers, that was my favorite team. But now, I guess I’m just a bandwagon fan. Whoever’s doing good or whoever’s in the Finals. I think they (Knicks) will. I think a lot of people were picking the San Antonio Spurs, but I think behind Jalen Brunson, I think they can get the job done,” Brownlee continued.

     

    Beyond the nostalgia and reflections on his basketball journey, Brownlee remains firmly focused on the present as he continues to lead Ginebra’s championship pursuit. With the series now tilted in favor of the Gin Kings, the veteran import is chasing what could be another defining achievement in his storied career.

     

    At 38, Brownlee is aiming to capture his seventh PBA championship with Barangay Ginebra, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful imports to ever play in the league. However, with the Finals still far from decided, he and the Gin Kings know that maintaining focus will be critical as the series shifts back into action.

     

    Ginebra now carries a 2-1 advantage heading into a pivotal Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where another high-stakes battle is expected as both teams continue their pursuit of the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

     

     

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  • Scottie Thompson joins PBA 5,000-point club as Barangay Ginebra takes 2-1 finals lead

    Scottie Thompson joins PBA 5,000-point club as Barangay Ginebra takes 2-1 finals lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again demonstrated why it remains one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most successful and resilient franchises, overpowering its opponent to secure a crucial 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7.

     

    The Gin Kings leaned on a balanced offensive attack spearheaded by resident import Justin Brownlee, who delivered another masterclass performance with a game-high 41 points. Brownlee’s scoring brilliance set the tone for Ginebra throughout the contest, while Stephen Holt provided valuable support with 23 points and rookie sensation RJ Abarrientos contributed 15 markers to help keep the pressure on their Finals rivals.

     

    While Brownlee’s scoring exploits grabbed headlines, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who once again showcased the versatility and all-around brilliance that have made him one of the league’s premier players. Thompson flirted with greatness all night and ultimately recorded another triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a performance that highlighted his ability to impact the game in every facet.

     

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    Beyond helping Ginebra seize momentum in the championship series, Thompson also reached several significant personal milestones during the victory. The 32-year-old became the 103rd player in PBA history to join the prestigious 5,000-point club, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s elite performers.

     

    Thompson also became the 98th local player and the 14th active player to reach the scoring milestone. Among the storied list of Barangay Ginebra greats, he is now the 13th player from the franchise to surpass the 5,000-point mark, placing him alongside some of the most celebrated names in the team’s rich history.

    The accomplishment added another chapter to an already decorated career. Thompson also became just the 11th player in league history to own at least five career achievement awards and only the second active player to accomplish the feat, joining TNT Tropang 5G veteran Jayson Castro in an exclusive group of PBA legends.

     

    Despite the historic evening and another standout individual performance, Thompson remained focused on the bigger picture. Rather than discussing his personal achievements, the former Most Valuable Player emphasized the collective effort that has fueled Ginebra’s success throughout the Finals.

     

    “For our team, it’s not about individual numbers. To be honest, it’s about the team. Kung sino yung magadang nilalaro, we feed off of him,” Thompson said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    His comments reflected the culture that has long defined Barangay Ginebra under head coach Tim Cone—a team-first mentality built on sacrifice, trust, and shared responsibility. That approach was evident throughout Game 3, as multiple players stepped up at key moments to complement Brownlee’s scoring and Thompson’s all-around excellence.

     

    With the victory, Ginebra now finds itself in a favorable position heading into the next chapter of the championship series. However, the Gin Kings know the job is far from finished, as their opponents will be eager to level the series and regain momentum.

     

    All eyes will now turn to Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Thompson and the Gin Kings will look to build on their momentum and move within one victory of capturing another PBA Commissioner’s Cup title. If their recent performances are any indication, Ginebra’s stars are prepared to rise to the occasion once more as the battle for the championship intensifies.

     

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  • After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    Game 1 may have belonged to Justin Brownlee, but both Barangay Ginebra and TNT know the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals is only beginning.

     

    Brownlee’s clutch fadeaway jumper over Chris McCullough with 0.6 seconds remaining lifted the Gin Kings to a dramatic 102-100 victory on Wednesday, handing Ginebra the early edge in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Now comes the challenge of maintaining it.

     

    When the two teams meet again in Game 2 on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ginebra will look to build on its advantage while TNT aims to turn a painful defeat into a valuable lesson.

     

    For all the celebration surrounding Brownlee’s latest game-winning moment, the Gin Kings emerged from the opener fully aware that they were fortunate to escape.

     

    After controlling much of the contest and building an 18-point lead in the third quarter, Ginebra watched TNT methodically chip away behind RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and McCullough before eventually surrendering the lead in the fourth period.

     

    The comeback forced Ginebra to rely on late-game execution and individual brilliance rather than the dominant performance it appeared headed toward earlier in the night.

     

    “I gotta admit, we lost a lot of rhythm, offensively,” Brownlee said after Game 1.

     

    The veteran import pointed to TNT’s ability to exploit the interior and generate second-chance opportunities as major factors behind the shift in momentum.

     

    “They hurt us on the post and I think that opened up some shooters for them,” Brownlee said. “I also think that we could do a better job on the offensive rebounding. I’m not sure how many offensive rebounds we gave up, but I know we gave up some crucial ones.”

     

    The Tropang 5G grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in Game 1, repeatedly extending possessions and giving themselves opportunities to erase the deficit.

     

    That area is expected to be one of Ginebra’s primary focuses heading into Friday’s rematch.

    Another concern for head coach Tim Cone is the play of Nambatac, who helped spark TNT’s fourth-quarter surge with timely perimeter shooting.

     

    “He had a hot-shooting night,” Cone said. “He hadn’t shot well during the Meralco series for them, but he came in and shot well. And he did that last year when he got the best player of the Finals.

     

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    “So we got to figure him out a little bit better, we got to figure out everybody well.”

    While Ginebra searches for answers defensively, TNT enters Game 2 encouraged by the fact that it nearly stole Game 1 despite an uneven start.

     

    The Tropang 5G struggled through stretches of the first half, committed costly turnovers, and found themselves buried under a double-digit deficit before mounting their rally.

     

    Yet even after all that, they were one defensive stop away from taking control of the series.

    For TNT, the challenge now is finding a way to sustain the level it showed during its comeback while avoiding the slow start that put it in trouble in the first place.

     

    McCullough remains a major weapon after posting 25 points and 14 rebounds in his Finals debut for TNT, while Pogoy and Nambatac proved they can provide the firepower needed to pressure Ginebra’s defense.

     

    Meanwhile, the Gin Kings will once again lean on Brownlee, whose 23-point performance was highlighted by another signature clutch shot. They will also need continued production from RJ Abarrientos, whose two crucial four-point plays helped shift momentum back in their favor late in Game 1.

     

    The opener showed how little separates the two teams.

     

    One side carries the confidence of securing the first victory. The other brings the belief that it already discovered the formula to challenge its rival.

     

    With adjustments expected from both benches and momentum hanging in the balance, Game 2 could reveal whether Ginebra can seize full control of the Finals or if TNT can immediately turn the series into a best-of-five battle.

     

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  • “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, edging TNT Tropang 5G, 102-100, in a thrilling Game 1 showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 3.

     

    In a tightly contested opener that went down to the final possession, veteran import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the clutch, drilling the game-winning basket with just 0.6 seconds remaining to secure the victory and give Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Brownlee finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, orchestrating Ginebra’s offense down the stretch while also taking charge in crucial defensive stops. The reigning fan favorite continued his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in PBA history, adding another memorable finish to his growing list of Finals heroics.

     

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    He was well-supported by rising guard RJ Abarrientos, who played one of his strongest Finals performances to date. Abarrientos tallied 24 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, providing consistent scoring and playmaking as Ginebra weathered multiple TNT rallies throughout the game. His poise in high-pressure moments proved vital in keeping the Gin Kings within striking distance before Brownlee sealed the outcome.

     

    The victory also carried added narrative weight for Brownlee, who is looking to overcome a difficult Finals history against TNT franchises in recent conferences. The Ginebra import has previously come up short multiple times against the Tropang 5G during past championship clashes, particularly during matchups against former TNT reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

    Hollis-Jefferson, who had been a central figure in TNT’s recent title runs, is currently sidelined for the season after suffering an Achilles injury while competing for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL). His absence has reshaped TNT’s import rotation, with Chris McCullough stepping in as his replacement for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    Following the game, Brownlee offered his assessment of McCullough, acknowledging both similarities and differences between TNT’s current import and his former Finals rival Hollis-Jefferson.

     

    “Obviously, C-Mac is a little bit taller, but Rondae, he plays taller than he is. I can’t really say big differences. I do think Rondae is an elite defender. I’m not saying C-Mac is not a good defender, but Rondae is definitely more known as far as when it comes to defense. He is an elite, world-class defender. Can C-Mac be that as well? I’m not sure. But he definitely has the ability to do that,” Brownlee said in a media interaction.

     

    The 38-year-old veteran import also praised McCullough’s offensive versatility, noting his ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, while also placing him among a unique class of talented imports who have recently entered the PBA landscape.

     

    “Of course, C-Mac, he is very talented offensively. He is really a great shooter from the outside. He is good at driving. He is athletic. C-Mac is just as good but Bol Bol, obviously, he is a special player. But we still have a very tough challenge with C-Mac at TNT,” he added.

     

    With Ginebra taking an early series advantage, both teams now shift their focus to Game 2, scheduled for Friday, June 5, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT will be aiming to bounce back and level the series, while Ginebra looks to extend its momentum and move closer to another Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

     

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  • Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac delivered a strong fourth-quarter push, but it wasn’t enough as TNT Tropang 5G dropped a narrow 102-100 decision to Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    While Ginebra took the early advantage in the series, much of the late-game momentum belonged to TNT’s guard, who helped turn what had been an 18-point deficit into a tense finish.

     

    Nambatac finished with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists, with 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter as he orchestrated TNT’s comeback attempt. 

     

    His scoring burst helped the Tropang 5G seize control briefly, taking a 95-90 lead with 3:06 remaining.

     

    The rally put TNT in position to steal Game 1 on the road, with Nambatac at the center of the offensive surge.

     

    Despite the loss, the former Finals MVP against Ginebra said the matchup carried added motivation for him.

     

    “I won Finals MVP last year so that doesn’t mean they’ll leave me alone. They made some adjustments on me and it had some good outcomes,” he said.

     

    “I was limited in the first half but it’s extra motivation for me that I won a Finals MVP against Ginebra (last year).”

     

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    He also emphasized TNT’s ability to compete despite the result.

     

    “I don’t have any regrets because we gave them a good fight and we gave the fans a show. Actually, this is what I wanted, to have my rhythm, timing and confidence. After some three-point shots, I struggled again but personally, my rhythm and timing are there,” Nambatac said.

     

    Ginebra, coached by Tim Cone, managed to weather TNT’s late surge in the final minutes. Cone’s squad leaned on Justin Brownlee for steady production and RJ Abarrientos for the decisive plays down the stretch. 

     

    Abarrientos connected on back-to-back four-point plays in the last 91 seconds, swinging the lead back to Ginebra and sealing the 102-100 victory.

     

    The result gave Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, despite TNT’s strong finish by Nambatac.

     

    Game 2 is set at 7:30PM on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Nambatac and his squad will look to build on its late-game adjustments and avoid falling into an early series hole.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abbarientos earned the final PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation of the conference after spearheading the Gin Kings’ successful semifinal closeout against Rain or Shine, highlighted by consecutive 30-point outings that propelled his team back to the championship stage.


    Abarrientos averaged 23 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals during the week, emerging as Ginebra’s top local performer as the Kings secured a return trip to the Finals.

     

    His biggest statement came in Game 6, where he poured in 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 118-107 victory that sealed the series in six games and booked a showdown with TNT. 

     

    It came just two days after he erupted for 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in Ginebra’s crucial 111-104 triumph in Game 5.

     

    “You could see it. I saw it in the locker room before the game. I can see it even yesterday during our film meeting. He just had it on his face and his body language that he is going to come out and have a big game,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.

     

    The explosive finish was a sharp response to Game 4, when Abarrientos was limited to just eight points in a 97-85 defeat after struggling to get involved offensively.

     

    Instead of fading after the setback, the sophomore guard elevated his game when Ginebra needed him most, combining for 61 points in Games 5 and 6 to help eliminate the Elasto Painters and move within four wins of his first PBA championship.

     

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    The timing of his surge could not be better for a Ginebra team seeking redemption against TNT. The upcoming Finals will mark another chapter in one of the PBA’s defining rivalries, with the Tropang 5G having won the last three championship meetings between the two franchises, including the previous Commissioner’s Cup Finals. 

     

    The series presents Abarrientos an opportunity to play a pivotal role in Ginebra’s bid to finally reverse that trend.

     

    More than the scoring, Abarrientos has shown an increasing ability to control games as a playmaker and floor leader. 

     

    Following the Game 6 victory, he emphasized that his focus extends beyond individual numbers and centers on guiding the team on the court—a responsibility that has grown alongside his role within the franchise. 

     

    That evolution has made him one of Ginebra’s most important players heading into the Finals and a key figure in the club’s pursuit of another title.

     

    The Player of the Week award, as voted upon by reporters regularly covering the PBA beat, serves as the final individual recognition of the conference before attention shifts entirely to the championship series. 

     

    Abarrientos will look to carry his strong form into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which begin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Barangay Ginebra will renew its rivalry with TNT in a highly anticipated title showdown. 

     

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  • Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Years ago, RJ Abarrientos was a young guard trying to earn a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster. Now, he enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as one of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s biggest weapons and one of the players TNT coach Chot Reyes is most concerned about stopping.


    Ahead of the championship series, Reyes reflected on Abarrientos’ remarkable growth, recalling how he pushed for the then-rising guard to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

     

    “We always believed in the talent of RJ. I think that was the time when I was coaching for the Asia Cup with Coach Nenad (Vucinic) and RJ was there. I really fought hard to make sure that he was part of the line-up,” Reyes said.

     

    The former KBL Rookie of the Year has developed into one of Ginebra’s most important players, forming a potent trio with Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson while emerging as a leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.

     

    His recent performances have been among the biggest reasons behind the Kings’ return to the Finals.

     

    Facing Rain or Shine in the semifinals, Abarrientos delivered when Ginebra needed him most, scoring 30 points in Game 5 before erupting for 31 points in Game 6. His 61-point output across the last two games of the series helped power the Kings into another title showdown with TNT.

     

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    For Reyes, the scoring explosion came as no surprise.

     

    “The way he is playing now is no surprise. I really thought that we needed that kind of player in that team before. Like I said, the first time we played them was in his rookie season. Now, he has grown and matured tremendously, hitting back-to-back 30-point games, 60 points in the last two games, that’s no joke, that’s not an accident,” said Reyes.

     

    The veteran coach also joked about how much Abarrientos has matured since his early days with the national team.

     

    “Baby RJ pa lang siya noon, ngayon mamang RJ na siya,” Reyes said during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference.

     

    When Ginebra and TNT met in the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals, Abarrientos was still a rookie finding minutes behind veterans LA Tenorio and Thompson. Now, he has become a featured part of the Kings’ offense and a player capable of taking over games.

     

    That evolution makes him one of the key figures to watch in the Finals, where his production could play a major role in determining whether Ginebra captures another championship or TNT adds another title to its collection.

     

    Despite the growing attention and accolades, Abarrientos remains focused on embracing the larger responsibilities that come with his expanded role as Ginebra chases another crown against the TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • One wants redemption, the other wants revenge as TNT and Ginebra renew finals rivalry 

    One wants redemption, the other wants revenge as TNT and Ginebra renew finals rivalry 

    For all the familiarity surrounding TNT and Barangay Ginebra, this Finals series is being fueled by something neither team has fully satisfied.

     

    Need.

     

    The names are familiar. The stage is familiar. Even the matchup has become a recurring chapter in the modern PBA era.

     

    But as the Tropang 5G and Gin Kings collide once more in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals beginning Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, both sides arrive carrying unfinished business of their own.

     

    TNT enters the series as defending champion and a team making its fifth consecutive Finals appearance. Yet for a franchise accustomed to competing for trophies, recent memories have been less than satisfying.

     

     

    The Tropang 5G have reached the summit repeatedly, only to watch opportunities slip away in the last two conferences after falling short against San Miguel in consecutive Philippine Cup Finals.

     

    On the opposite side stands a Ginebra squad that has spent the better part of two years searching for answers against the very team standing in its way.

     

    The Gin Kings have not celebrated a championship since Season 47 and have suffered three straight Finals defeats at the hands of TNT, including last season’s Commissioner’s Cup heartbreak.

     

    That history gives this latest showdown a different feel.

     

    For Ginebra, it’s about finally turning the page.

     

    For TNT, it’s about proving last year’s championship was not the end of a run but the beginning of another.

     

    The sense of urgency is equally personal for several players.

     

    Stephen Holt has reached the Finals twice with Ginebra and twice watched TNT walk away with the trophy.

     

    “This is why we play — to win games and win championships. This is my fifth conference with the team and third finals appearance. So hopefully we can break through this moment. We definitely don’t want to take these moments for granted and hopefully we can get the job done this time,” said Holt.

     

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    Across the floor, Jordan Heading is chasing the same goal from a different direction.

     

    The TNT guard has already experienced the pain of falling short on the biggest stage and sees another opportunity to finally finish the job.

     

    “I guess there’s a chance, yeah? We’ll see,” said Heading.

     

    The hunger is shared by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who missed TNT’s championship runs in Season 49 due to injury and returned only to endure back-to-back Finals defeats.

     

    “I hope so. I’m just excited to go out and play some good basketball. You never want to take these opportunities for granted, coming here five times. We just play our game, rely on each other, do the things that got us here and hopefully this time we come out on the winning side,” he said.

     

    While much of the rivalry remains unchanged, this chapter introduces a new centerpiece.

     

    For the first time, Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough will oppose each other in a PBA Finals.

     

    Brownlee remains the league’s gold standard among imports, while McCullough has transformed TNT since replacing the injured Bol Bol during the semifinals.

     

    Their duel could ultimately define the series.

     

    “It’s going to be an exciting matchup. I’ve known Chris (McCullough) for a long time, he’s a very versatile player. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for our team to contain him,” said Brownlee.

     

    McCullough’s arrival has also altered the way Ginebra views TNT.

     

    According to Gin Kings coach Tim Cone, the defending champions have rediscovered the identity that made them so difficult to beat.

     

    “I think they’re a lot more integrated now in terms of everybody contributing. I thought that when Mr. Bol was there, they really had a more difficult time trying to keep everybody involved,” said Cone.

     

    “Now they’re back to playing ‘Talk and Text’ brand of basketball and I think that that’s made them better, tougher in the coming series.”

     

    That may be what makes this Finals rematch different from the previous ones.

     

    TNT is no longer chasing validation.

     

    Ginebra is no longer simply chasing another Finals appearance.

     

    One side wants redemption after recent heartbreaks. The other wants revenge for years of frustration.

     

    And beginning Wednesday night, only one of them will move closer to finally getting it. 

     

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