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  • From New York workouts to the PBA Finals: Chris McCullough, Justin Brownlee set for long-awaited showdown 

    From New York workouts to the PBA Finals: Chris McCullough, Justin Brownlee set for long-awaited showdown 

    Long before they became two of the most recognizable imports to play in the PBA, Chris McCullough and Justin Brownlee were simply two basketball players at different stages of the same journey.

     

    One was a college standout chasing his dream. The other was a teenager trying to learn from those already living it.

     

    More than a decade later, their paths have converged once again — this time with a championship hanging in the balance.

     

    As TNT and Barangay Ginebra prepare for another blockbuster Commissioner’s Cup Finals showdown, one of the most intriguing storylines centers on the relationship between the two imports who will lead their respective teams.

     

    For McCullough, facing Brownlee is more than just another matchup.

     

    It’s a reminder of where his basketball journey began.

     

    “I was probably about 13 or something like that, maybe 14,” recalled McCullough during the pre-Finals press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

     

    At the time, Brownlee was playing for St. John’s University in Queens, New York, while the young McCullough was growing up in the Bronx, still years away from becoming one of the country’s most sought-after basketball prospects.

     

    The future TNT reinforcement often found himself working out at the same college gym where Brownlee was sharpening his own game.

     

    “He was in college, and I used to go to that college to work out with him when I was really young,” said McCullough.

     

    Neither could have imagined then that their careers would eventually lead them across the world and into the center of one of Philippine basketball’s biggest rivalries.

     

    For Brownlee, the memories remain just as vivid.

     

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    Now 37 years old and on the verge of chasing a record seventh PBA championship, the Ginebra star still remembers the talented youngster who would later carve out a professional career of his own.

     

    “I think it’s gonna be an exciting matchup,” Brownlee said.

     

    “I’ve known Chris for a long time, when he was a lot younger.”

     

    What once felt like a mentor-and-prospect dynamic has evolved into a battle between two established stars tasked with carrying championship expectations.

     

    Brownlee understands exactly what kind of challenge awaits.

     

    “But he’s a very versatile player; he’s definitely going to be a challenge for our team to be able to not stop him but to contain him,” furthered the longtime Ginebra reinforcement.

     

    “We’re all looking forward to the challenge, though.”

     

    The respect is mutual.

     

    McCullough has already won a championship in the PBA and is seeking another, but he recognizes the significance of finally sharing the court with one of the league’s most decorated imports.

     

    Beyond the individual matchup, he believes the series itself has all the ingredients of a classic.

     

    “I think this is truly gonna be one of the PBA Finals that’s gonna be remembered for a long time. Great team, and we’re going up against a great player,” he said.

     

    “This is going to be one of the ones that’s gonna be remembered. I feel like both teams are preparing to get ready for it.”

     

    The Finals will ultimately be decided by much more than Brownlee versus McCullough.

     

    But as TNT and Ginebra renew their rivalry, the series also serves as a rare full-circle moment — one that began in a New York gym years ago and now reaches its biggest chapter on the PBA’s grandest stage.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most dominant franchises after securing a 118-107 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 6 of their 2026 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Sunday, May 30, at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The win allowed the Gin Kings to close out the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and punch their ticket to the conference finals, continuing a deep playoff run powered by a blend of veteran leadership and the emergence of a new generation of contributors.

     

    As has often been the case in high-pressure situations, Justin Brownlee once again set the tone for Ginebra. The veteran import delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor, while young guard RJ Abarrientos provided sustained scoring punch and composure beyond his years as the duo led the charge in sealing the series-clinching win.

     

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    Brownlee’s continued excellence further cements his legacy as one of the most impactful imports in PBA history, consistently delivering in crucial moments for the franchise. Alongside him, Abarrientos continued his rapid rise as one of the league’s brightest young guards, showcasing his growing confidence and offensive versatility in the postseason spotlight.

     

    The former Rookie of the Year has been particularly impressive throughout the semifinal series, stringing together back-to-back 30-point outings and proving to be a difficult matchup for Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes.

     

    Despite his standout numbers, Abarrientos emphasized that his focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades.

     

    “I don’t care about my score and stats. Ang focus ko dito is maging second coach sa loob ng court. Kailangan kong makapag-create sa teammates ko. It’s just doing my thing, mga maliliit na bagay,” Abarrientos said in a media interaction.

    His consistency has given Ginebra another reliable scoring option alongside Brownlee, allowing the team to maintain offensive balance and flexibility throughout the series. With defenses increasingly focusing on limiting the veteran import, Abarrientos has capitalized on his opportunities, attacking mismatches and creating plays in key stretches.

     

    Now one of Ginebra’s most reliable postseason performers in this series, the 26-year-old guard is determined to sustain his form as the team shifts its focus to the championship stage.

     

    “Kung ano yung ibigay sa akin, kailangan ko lang mag-execute at aralin kung ano yung pwede kong i-counter. They know na lalaro ako ng 20 to 30 minutes, and different guys will defend me and bump me, so I wish I could do that in the Finals also,” he added.

     

    Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, known for his trust in disciplined systems and player development, was full of praise for Abarrientos and the team’s young core, particularly their ability to withstand playoff pressure and execute in high-stakes moments.

     

    “They were targeting him and putting multiple players on him to get him out of his game, but his strength and character didn’t allow that. His determination tonight was just amazing. He had it in his face and body language that he was going to have a big game tonight. He put together back-to-back huge games, and that’s difficult in the playoffs,” Cone stated.

     

    The veteran coach also highlighted the collective effort of the roster, noting how several young and less experienced players have stepped up at critical junctures of the conference, helping Ginebra sustain its championship push despite the intensity of the semifinal battle.

     

    With the victory, Barangay Ginebra now advances to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal series between TNT Tropang Giga and the Meralco Bolts. The league has yet to finalize the schedule and venue for the championship series, but anticipation is already building for another potential classic featuring one of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

     

    As Ginebra moves one step closer to another title opportunity, the combination of Brownlee’s proven brilliance and Abarrientos’ rising star power continues to make them one of the most formidable forces in the league heading into the finals.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    TNT Tropang 5G is heading back to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but inside the team’s locker room, there is little talk about defending a championship.


    Instead, head coach Chot Reyes sees a group that continues to survive against the odds. Moments after TNT escaped Meralco, 97-94, in Game 6 of the semifinals on Sunday night, Reyes immediately shifted the conversation toward the challenge waiting ahead — a Barangay Ginebra team he believes resembles a national squad more than a typical PBA opponent.

     

    “We’re coming in as huge underdogs,” said Reyes.

     

    For a team that has reached five straight Finals appearances, the statement may sound surprising. But Reyes pointed to the sheer firepower standing on the other side of the bracket.

     

    “We’re basically playing Gilas, and the (greatest of all time) of all imports in JB,” the veteran coach added. 

     

    The TNT mentor was referring to a Ginebra roster loaded with national team mainstays and veterans, including Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and resident import Justin Brownlee, all playing under multi-titled coach Tim Cone.

     

    The Finals matchup materialized only hours after both teams survived their respective semifinal battles at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Ginebra punched the first ticket to the championship round after eliminating Rain or Shine, 118-107, behind another vintage performance from Brownlee and a breakout scoring night from Abarrientos. Brownlee delivered 31 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Abarrientos erupted for 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as the Gin Kings closed out the series, 4-2.

     

    The Tropang 5G followed a few hours later, although their path proved far more nerve-racking. TNT appeared headed for a comfortable finish after building a 91-77 advantage in the fourth quarter against Meralco. 

     

    But the Bolts refused to go away, trimming the deficit and eventually forcing a 94-94 deadlock after a furious rally. With the game hanging in the balance, Jordan Heading produced the biggest sequence of the night, converting a clutch three-point play with 42.1 seconds left to restore TNT’s lead for good.

     

    Heading finished with 30 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting clip, helping TNT survive despite losing import Chris McCullough to fouls in the closing minutes. McCullough still contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out, while Calvin Oftana added 12 markers. Meralco import Patrick Gardner paced the Bolts with 32 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

     

    What makes TNT’s Finals return even more remarkable is how different this team looks compared to the one that captured last conference’s title.

     

    The Tropang 5G entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed and needed to survive a dangerous twice-to-beat disadvantage against NLEX just to advance. Yet somehow, TNT keeps finding ways to win.

     

    Last conference, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge as TNT defeated Ginebra in seven games to capture the Commissioner’s Cup crown. This time, the roster has changed, the road has been tougher, and the expectations outside the organization appear lower.

     

    That may be exactly how Reyes wants it. Rather than dwelling on predictions, the veteran coach insists TNT’s focus remains on the process that carried them through adversity.

     

    “We’ll just go through our process. The outcome, we have no control over that,” he said.

     

    “The only control we have is with our process and effort, and if we stick to those, we give ourselves a chance.”

     

    Now, another chapter will be added to one of the PBA’s most compelling rivalries.

     

    Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals between TNT and Barangay Ginebra is set on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the defending champions will once again attempt to prove that being underestimated can sometimes be their biggest advantage.

     

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  • Jordan Heading sends TNT back to the Finals for another crack at Ginebra

    Jordan Heading sends TNT back to the Finals for another crack at Ginebra

    For TNT, the road back to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals wasn’t about surviving another semifinal grind — it was about earning one more chance.

     

    And when Meralco refused to go quietly, the defending champions leaned on the same identity that carried them through another long conference: composure, timely execution, and someone stepping up when it mattered most.

     

    The Tropang 5G looked headed for a comfortable finish after building a double-digit lead, only for the Bolts to storm back and force a 94-all deadlock inside the final two minutes. With momentum suddenly swinging and Chris McCullough already sent to the bench after fouling out, TNT needed one more answer.

     

    Jordan Heading had it.

     

    The lefty guard calmly converted a three-point play after drawing contact from Patrick Gardner before the clock hit the final minute — a sequence that ultimately became the dagger in TNT’s 97-94 Game 6 victory at the Ynares Center.

     

    And just like that, the Finals rematch became official.

     

    TNT will face Barangay Ginebra once again in what has quickly become one of the league’s most recurring championship matchups — their fourth Finals meeting in the last eight conferences.

     

    But even as expectations rise around another heavyweight showdown, coach Chot Reyes made sure to frame the assignment differently.

     

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    “We’re coming in as the underdogs, playing basically the Philippine national team,” Reyes said.

     

    The statement carried its usual edge, but also reflected the reality of facing a Ginebra side built around championship experience and massive fan support.

     

    Heading, though, wasn’t interested in looking too far ahead.

     

    After dropping the previous Finals against the same opponent, the veteran guard knows exactly what another opportunity means.

     

    “That means everything,” Heading said.

     

    “When you lose in the Finals, that sticks with you the whole offseason, the whole next season, the whole preseason. That’s what you’re thinking about.”

     

    For TNT, the chance to rewrite that ending comes with familiar faces and familiar stakes.

     

    Heading finished with 30 points to lead the closeout, while McCullough added 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists before exiting. Calvin Oftana chipped in 12 as the Tropang 5G secured a fifth straight Finals appearance.

     

    For a team that has stayed near the top despite constant roster movement and pressure to repeat, the mission remains unchanged.

     

    Win another one. Finish the story this time.

     

    Because if there’s anything Heading made clear — TNT isn’t satisfied with just getting another crack at it.

     

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  • Momentum meets pressure as Rain or Shine, Ginebra clash in pivotal Game 5

    Momentum meets pressure as Rain or Shine, Ginebra clash in pivotal Game 5

    For the first time in this semifinal series, the pressure may no longer be sitting entirely on Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    After spending most of the matchup trying to keep pace with the more experienced Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Elasto Painters suddenly enter Friday night carrying something different — momentum, belief, and a genuine shot at changing the direction of their franchise.

     

    Rain or Shine forced the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal into a virtual best-of-three after a convincing 97-85 win in Game 4, setting up a massive 7:30 p.m. clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the series tied at 2-2.

     

    And while much of the conversation surrounding the series has shifted toward the tension-filled exchange between coach Yeng Guiao and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua after the last game, Guiao is more interested in what happens between the lines.

     

    “If you’re coming off a win, you have momentum, you have confidence,” Guiao said.

     

    For the veteran coach, Game 5 is less about emotions and more about mathematics.

    “Now [the series is a virtual] best-of-three. So, if it’s a best of three, whoever wins Game 1, has more than a 50 percent chance of winning the series,” he said. “So, I think the biggest (game a team needs to) win is going to be (the game) on Friday.”

     

    Rain or Shine enters the swing game with growing confidence in the formula that brought it back into the series.

     

    Unlike previous years when the Elasto Painters leaned heavily on a few stars, this Rain or Shine squad has survived because of its depth. That identity showed fully in Game 4 when Joshua David and Christian Manaytay delivered key minutes while import Jaylen Johnson and Adrian Nocum dealt with foul trouble.

     

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    The balanced attack helped Rain or Shine dictate the pace and frustrate a Ginebra team that struggled to find enough support outside of Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson.

    Now the challenge becomes sustaining it.

     

    The Gin Kings remain one of the league’s most battle-tested playoff teams, and Game 5s have historically favored veteran-heavy squads capable of adjusting quickly after losses. Ginebra will likely look for stronger contributions from its supporting cast, particularly rookie RJ Abarrientos after he finished with just eight points on 3-of-8 shooting in Game 4.

     

    Still, this suddenly feels like a different kind of opportunity for Rain or Shine.

     

    The franchise has repeatedly knocked on the door in recent conferences without fully breaking through. Now, it sits two wins away from its first Finals appearance since the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup championship — notably the last conference where no San Miguel Corporation-backed team reached the Finals.

     

    Since then, SMC franchises have controlled the league’s championship landscape for 22 straight conferences.

     

    Rain or Shine now has a chance to finally interrupt that streak again.

     

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  • “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    After the Rain or Shine’s convincing 97-85 victory in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the spotlight quickly shifted from the scoreboard to a fiery confrontation involving Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao and Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua.

     

    What started as tension from the sidelines eventually spilled onto the court after the final buzzer, adding another layer of drama to an already heated best-of-seven series now tied at 2-2.

    According to Guiao, frustrations began building as early as the first quarter, when he noticed Chua frequently talking to game officials during live action. 


    The veteran coach believed those actions could affect the referees handling the tightly contested matchup.

     

    Guiao later revealed that he confronted Chua about it, asking him to stop speaking to the referees to avoid intimidating the officiating crew.

     

    That exchange, however, only intensified emotions between the longtime basketball figures.

    The situation escalated further during the customary postgame handshake when, according to Guiao, Chua approached him and asked, “ano raw problema ko sa kanya.”

     

    The Rain or Shine coach also claimed Chua called him “ulol” during the heated exchange.

     

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    Chua chose not to directly address the accusation afterward, offering only brief but pointed remarks before leaving the venue.

     

    “‘Yung team niya, ‘di ko pinapakialamanan eh. Pakialamanan niya ‘yung team niya. ‘Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin,” Chua said after the game.

     

    The Ginebra governor also urged Guiao to focus solely on coaching duties.

     

    “Mag-trabaho na lang siya. Mag-coach na lang siya,” Chua said.

     

    Ironically, the confrontation involved two personalities who have shared years of friendship and collaboration within the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), making the public exchange even more surprising for longtime PBA observers.

     

    The emotional sideline battle unfolded on the same night Rain or Shine seized momentum in the series behind a dominant all-around performance. 

     

    The Elasto Painters built a lead that reached as high as 26 points before securing the 12-point victory that turned the semifinal matchup into a virtual best-of-three.

     

    Now, with tensions rising both on and off the hardwood, anticipation surrounding Game 5 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum has only intensified.

     

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  • “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    What began as a crucial semifinal equalizer quickly turned into another fiery chapter in the long-running tension surrounding the PBA’s biggest personalities.

     

    Fresh off Rain or Shine’s gritty 97-85 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao shifted the conversation away from basketball and toward what he felt was an issue of professionalism and conduct during the game itself.

     

    Instead of celebrating the series-tying victory, Guiao openly addressed his heated postgame confrontation with Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua — an exchange that unfolded during the traditional handshake line moments after the final buzzer at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    According to Guiao, the tension had been brewing throughout the game because of what he described as Chua’s repeated interactions with referees during live action.

     

    “Akala ko, makiki-handshake siya,” Guiao said. “Nilapitan ko si (Ginebra) Coach Tim (Cone). Nag-handshake kami. Tapos lumapit siya, tinanong niya ‘ko kung ano raw ang problema ko sa kanya. Sabi ko, ‘wag mo lang kakausapin ang referees.’”

     

    For the veteran coach, the issue was never simply about emotions running high in a playoff environment. Instead, Guiao stressed that team officials — particularly governors — should avoid placing added pressure on referees during tightly contested games where every whistle could influence the outcome.

     

    “I feel as a governor, it’s not his job to keep talking to the referees in such an intimidating way. Never ginawa ‘yun ni Atty. Mert,” he said, referring to longtime Rain or Shine governor Atty. Mert Mondragon. “Ang layo ng behavior.”

     

    Guiao acknowledged that emotional outbursts can naturally happen during high-stakes games, but argued that constant engagement with officials crosses a different line.

     

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    “Maybe sometimes baka paminsan-minsan madala siya ng emosyon, but not every time,” he continued. “Tao rin naman ‘yang mga ‘yan, minsan may bugso ng emosyon. Pero, you cannot do that for Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4.”

     

    The longtime coach and former PBA commissioner also claimed the situation escalated further after Chua allegedly shouted an insult at him from afar during the confrontation.

    “Tapos from afar, tinawag niya ‘kong ulol,” Guiao said. “‘Yun lang naman sinabi ko. Nagkasagutan kami. I think marami namang nakawitness. I was just asking him to stop talking to the referees. ‘Yun lang ‘yon.”

     

    “‘Di ko naman siya minura. Sabi ko lang ‘wag mo kausapin ang referees, which is a fair statement kasi nakaka-intimidate ‘yun. And in a close series where there are a lot of calls that can determine the game, I’m protecting my team,” he added.

     

    Despite the heated atmosphere, Guiao emphasized that his concern ultimately centered on protecting the integrity of the game and shielding his players from situations that could potentially influence officiating.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied at 2-2, the already intense matchup between Rain or Shine and Ginebra suddenly carries even more tension heading into the pivotal next game.

     

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  • Rain or Shine turns semis into best-of-three after dominant win over Ginebra

    Rain or Shine turns semis into best-of-three after dominant win over Ginebra

    Rain or Shine refused to let the series slip away, facing a crucial Game 4 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the Elasto Painters delivered one of their most complete performances yet, overpowering Barangay Ginebra, 97-85, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to knot the series at two games apiece.


    What once looked like a tightening grip for Ginebra has now become a dead-even battle, with the semifinals officially reduced to a virtual best-of-three showdown. 

     

    With momentum suddenly shifting, Game 5 on Friday now carries even greater weight as both teams race for a coveted Finals berth.

     

    The Elasto Painters built a lead that ballooned to as much as 26 points, fueled not by one explosive scorer, but by a collective effort that highlighted the team’s depth on both ends of the floor.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the attack with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, controlling the paint while keeping the offense flowing.

     

    But the biggest difference came from the locals, who consistently answered every Ginebra rally attempt.

     

    Team captain Gian Mamuyac sparked the offense with 12 points, including two timely triples that energized the Rain or Shine bench. Rookie Christian Manaytay continued to impress under pressure, adding 11 points, while Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito chipped in identical scoring outputs.

     

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    In total, 12 out of the 13 players fielded by Rain or Shine managed to score at least three points, a balanced system that kept Ginebra’s defense guessing throughout the night.

     

    Still, it was defense that truly defined the Elasto Painters’ bounce-back victory. Rain or Shine made life difficult for Ginebra’s usually reliable stars, forcing uncomfortable possessions and limiting clean looks from deep. 

     

    Justin Brownlee finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, but the numbers came through a tough 9-of-20 shooting performance as defenders constantly pressured him.

     

    RJ Abarrientos never found his rhythm offensively, scoring only eight points on eight attempts while struggling from long distance. Scottie Thompson tried to carry the load with 20 points, but his impact elsewhere was limited to just two rebounds and three assists.

     

    Japeth Aguilar was the only other Gin King in double figures, collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the series.

     

    Despite a brief late push that cut the deficit to 10, Ginebra could not fully recover from its cold shooting night. 

     

    The Gin Kings misfired from beyond the arc all game long, finishing just 5-of-23 from three-point range for a poor 21.7 percent clip. Now with the series tied 2-2, the semifinal war shifts into its most critical stretch yet.

     

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  • Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine suddenly finds itself in unfamiliar territory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals — chasing momentum instead of controlling it.

     

    After opening the series with an impressive Game 1 statement against Barangay Ginebra, the Elasto Painters have now dropped back-to-back games and enter Wednesday’s crucial Game 4 searching for answers before the series completely slips away.

     

    What once looked like a wide-open matchup has quickly tilted in favor of the Gin Kings, who now carry a 2-1 lead and the confidence of a team beginning to impose its identity on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the challenge now goes beyond simply scoring enough points. The bigger concern is rediscovering the balance that fueled its upset win to start the series.

     

    Ginebra’s defense has steadily tightened over the last two games, with Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt leading the disruption. Thompson exploded for 25 points in Game 3, but his defensive activity proved just as damaging, collecting three steals while constantly pressuring Rain or Shine’s decision-makers. Holt added three steals of his own as the Gin Kings forced 20 Elasto Painter turnovers overall.

     

    Much of that pressure fell directly on Rain or Shine’s main creators.

     

    Adrian Nocum committed seven turnovers, while import Jaylen Johnson had four giveaways despite producing another monster stat line of 23 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Johnson continues to fill up the box score, but one major part of his game has disappeared at the worst possible time — his outside shooting.

     

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    After torching teams from deep earlier in the conference, Johnson struggled again from long range in Game 3, hitting just one of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Without that perimeter threat fully clicking, Ginebra has become far more comfortable crowding the paint and limiting driving lanes.

     

    Rain or Shine did find one encouraging sign in defeat, however.

     

    The Elasto Painters finally broke through from three-point territory as a team, knocking down 17 triples in their best outside shooting performance of the series. Caelan Tiongson immediately provided a lift upon returning from illness, draining seven triples, while Andrei Caracut caught fire early and buried five straight threes to help Rain or Shine stay within striking distance.

     

    But perhaps the biggest missing piece was Jhonard Clarito.

     

    After emerging as one of Rain or Shine’s most reliable offensive sparks in the first two games, Clarito was held to just five points on 2-of-6 shooting in Game 3. He still impacted the game defensively with nine rebounds and five steals, yet the Elasto Painters clearly missed his scoring punch.

     

    Now, with Ginebra only two wins away from another Finals appearance, Rain or Shine heads into Game 4 needing more than just another competitive effort.

     

    The Elasto Painters need a response strong enough to stop the series from turning into a runaway.

     

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  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

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    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

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