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  • 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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  • Jaylen Johnson makes PBA Finals appearance as Chris McCullough’s supporter 

    Jaylen Johnson makes PBA Finals appearance as Chris McCullough’s supporter 

    For the first time in months, Jaylen Johnson experienced a PBA game without the pressure of carrying a team on his shoulders.

     

    Instead of battling inside the paint or leading a playoff charge, the former Rain or Shine import found himself sitting among thousands of fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, watching the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals from the stands.

     

    Johnson became part of the record crowd of 18,607 spectators who packed the venue for Game 3 between TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday. But while many came to witness another chapter of the league’s biggest rivalry, Johnson had a more personal reason for being there.

     

    On the floor was Chris McCullough, a longtime friend whose basketball journey has intertwined with Johnson’s for years.

     

    “That’s my brother. I have known him since I was younger and in high school. Just came to support him while I was here,” Johnson told reporters.

     

    The sight of Johnson courtside served as a reminder that basketball’s relationships often extend far beyond team colors and league affiliations. Although Rain or Shine’s campaign ended at the hands of Ginebra in the semifinals, Johnson chose to stay connected to the Finals by supporting someone he considers family.

     

    McCullough delivered one of the most explosive performances of the championship series, pouring in 44 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and adding four assists in an effort to keep TNT afloat. But even that offensive outburst was not enough as Justin Brownlee answered with 41 points to lift Ginebra to a commanding 116-102 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

     

    After the final buzzer, Johnson made his way to McCullough, sharing a brief conversation with the TNT import following the loss.

     

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    For Johnson, it was another example of the support system he has maintained throughout his basketball career. Earlier in the playoffs, he also made efforts to encourage former TNT reinforcement Bol Bol after the latter suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

     

    “I’m just here supporting him like I was with Bol, which is my brother too,” Johnson said.

     

    While Johnson’s immediate future remains uncertain, his name continues to surface whenever discussions about returning imports arise. The athletic forward has previously expressed openness to returning to the PBA, potentially rejoining Rain or Shine if the opportunity presents itself.

     

    For now, though, he was simply another basketball fan soaking in one of the league’s biggest stages.

     

    And like everyone inside the arena, Johnson left impressed by the atmosphere surrounding the Finals.

     

    “It was lit. That’s the atmosphere you’ve asked for. Everybody came up and showed out, and it just shows how PBA fans really came to support,” he added.

     

    For one night, Johnson was no longer an import carrying playoff expectations. He was a friend, a supporter, and a witness to the kind of Finals environment every player hopes to be part of.

     

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  • Chot Reyes shifts focus to TNT’s mistakes after Game 3 Finals loss 

    Chot Reyes shifts focus to TNT’s mistakes after Game 3 Finals loss 

    The conversation after Game 3 could have easily centered on the whistles.

     

    Instead, TNT head coach Chot Reyes found himself discussing two battles that have become intertwined throughout the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals — the one against Barangay Ginebra and the one surrounding officiating.

     

    For the third straight game in the championship series, refereeing became a major talking point. But while Reyes delivered comments that immediately drew attention, the veteran coach ultimately acknowledged that TNT’s problems ran deeper than any call or non-call.

     

    After the Tropang 5G absorbed a 116-102 defeat before a packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, Reyes was asked about the officiating crew’s performance.

     

    “Excellent, excellent officiating today,” said Reyes with a straight face. “I have to commend the officiating crew. Excellent officiating.”

     

    Whether the statement was genuine praise or a pointed remark was left open to interpretation.

     

    The issue has followed the series from the opening game.

     

    Reyes questioned the final sequence of Game 1, believing Justin Brownlee committed a foul on Calvin Oftana during TNT’s last-second attempt to force overtime. In Game 2, it was Ginebra coach Tim Cone who publicly expressed frustration, describing the officiating as “terrible” after his team’s defeat.

     

    By Game 3, the spotlight once again drifted toward the referees after Reyes was assessed a technical foul in the third quarter while repeatedly voicing his displeasure over several calls.

     

    Yet despite the attention generated by his comments, Reyes was careful not to pin the loss solely on officiating.

     

    The veteran mentor instead pointed to the areas where TNT failed to help itself.

     

    “We gave up 20 turnover points,” Reyes noted.

     

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    For a team that thrives on discipline and execution, that number proved costly.

     

    TNT committed mistakes that Ginebra consistently converted into easy scoring opportunities, creating a gap that became difficult to overcome despite several comeback attempts.

     

    The Kings were also significantly more efficient offensively.

     

    Ginebra connected on 51.9 percent of its field-goal attempts, while TNT shot just 43.9 percent from the floor. The disparity was especially glaring in the opening quarter, when the crowd favorites shot a blistering 77.8 percent and raced to a commanding 35-16 lead.

     

    That explosive start allowed Ginebra to dictate the pace throughout the night and prevented TNT from ever fully settling into its preferred rhythm.

     

    “And they (Kings) shot extremely well,” Reyes added.

     

    In many ways, Game 3 reflected the delicate balance that has defined the Finals so far. Discussions about officiating continue to dominate headlines, but the outcomes have largely been determined by execution on the floor.

     

    For TNT, the challenge now is finding solutions before the series slips further away.

     

    Because regardless of how the whistles are perceived, Reyes knows the Tropang 5G cannot afford another night where turnovers pile up and Ginebra gets comfortable offensively.

     

    As the Finals move forward, the debate over officiating may continue. But for TNT, correcting its own mistakes may ultimately prove more important than any call made by the referees.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana insisted there was no issue between him and TNT head coach Chot Reyes following their animated fourth-quarter exchange during the Tropang 5G’s 116-102 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.


    The moment quickly caught attention after Reyes was seen standing and shouting toward Oftana following a turnover with TNT attempting to trim Ginebra’s lead late in the game.

     

    But the veteran forward clarified after the contest that the incident was simply part of the accountability expected within the team.

     

    “Normal naman ‘yun sa team eh, na pagsabihan ako. Sabi ko nga, ‘Nagkamali, Coach, nagkamali.’ Pero normal ‘yun, nirerespeto ko ‘yung Coach ko,” Oftana said.

     

    The exchange stemmed from a costly possession in the closing minutes when Oftana tried to force a pass to Chris McCullough. The ball was intercepted by Justin Brownlee, resulting in a momentum-killing turnover as TNT sought to rally from a 22-point deficit.

     

    Reyes immediately voiced his displeasure from the sidelines, while Oftana responded as cameras captured the interaction.

     

    Shortly afterward, Oftana was substituted out with 2:58 remaining and replaced by Rey Nambatac. He returned in the final minute, but by then Ginebra had already secured control of the game.

     

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    The turnover was one of three committed by TNT in the final five minutes, a stretch that ultimately derailed any hopes of a late comeback.

     

    Rather than distancing himself from the mistake, Oftana openly acknowledged his role in the sequence.

     

    “Maganda lang din diyan, doon kayo magkakaintindihan talaga e. Yung mali ko inaako ko, nag-turnover ako tapos converted, nagra-run na sana kami,” the 30-year-old said.

     

    The difficult finish capped an uncharacteristically quiet night for Oftana, who managed just two points after erupting for a season-high 31 points and 10 rebounds in TNT’s Game 2 victory.

     

    His sharp drop in production mirrored TNT’s struggles as Ginebra tightened its defense and took command en route to the 14-point win before 18,000 fans.

     

    Still, Oftana is already looking ahead rather than dwelling on what went wrong. With the Tropang 5G seeking to level the Finals once again, the former NCAA MVP said his focus is firmly on bouncing back in the pivotal Game 4 on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi araw-araw, Pasko. Masama ‘yung tulog ngayon. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, ganda ng tulog ko last game,” Oftana said.

     

    For TNT, a quick recovery will be crucial and for Oftana, Game 4 presents an opportunity to put both the turnover and the sideline exchange behind him while helping the Tropang 5G regain momentum in the championship series.

     

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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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  • TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT Tropang 5G’s import Bol Manute was nowhere near the hardwood on Wednesday night, but his presence was impossible to miss.


    As TNT opened its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the team carried a visible reminder of the import who helped bring them to the championship stage.

     

    Each TNT player took the floor wearing a white jersey adorned with a yellow No. 1 patch—a tribute to Bol’s jersey number and a symbol that the injured reinforcement remains very much part of the team’s title pursuit.

     

    For TNT guard Jordan Heading, the gesture was about recognizing the impact Bol made before a devastating injury cut his conference short.

     

    “I think it was just carryong Bol along with us for the series,” Heading told reporters after the game.

     

    “Really meant a lot to us that he came out here to the Philippines and was part of our journey. And he’s stil a part of our journey, so we just wanted to have him here with us that way.”

     

    Bol’s Finals dream came to an abrupt halt during Game 2 of TNT’s semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts when he suffered a partial Achilles tear on a non-contact play. The injury ultimately required surgery, which team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed was completed just a few days ago.

     

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    Before his season-ending setback, Bol had established himself as one of the conference’s most dominant imports.

     

    The 7-foot-3 reinforcement averaged 35.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, serving as a cornerstone of TNT’s campaign and helping propel the franchise back into the championship round.

     

    His injury forced the Tropang 5G into an unexpected mid-playoff adjustment, leading the team to sign former PBA import Chris McCullough in an effort to defend its Commissioner’s Cup crown.

    The transition, however, came with challenges.

     

    TNT dropped Game 1 of the Finals to Barangay Ginebra, 102-100, after a tightly contested battle at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Despite the loss, Bol’s connection to the team remains intact.

     

    According to Heading, the sidelined import continues to stay involved behind the scenes, following the team’s progress and maintaining regular communication with his teammates.

     

    “He’s still in our team group chat. He’ll chuck me a message every now and then. We know he’s watching the games,” Heading said. 

     

    While Bol’s contributions can no longer come through points, rebounds, or blocked shots, TNT’s tribute served as a reminder that his influence on the team extends beyond the box score.

     

    As the Tropang 5G prepare for a crucial Game 2 on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, they will once again be chasing a championship with one of their most important players watching from afar—but still very much part of the journey.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    In the aftermath of TNT’s heartbreaking Game 1 defeat to Barangay Ginebra, much of the attention centered on the final 0.6 seconds.

     

    The Tropang 5G had one last opportunity to erase a two-point deficit after Justin Brownlee’s game-winning jumper. A well-designed inbounds play gave Calvin Oftana a chance to receive an alley-oop pass from Jordan Heading, but the attempt never materialized as Brownlee disrupted the play and preserved Ginebra’s 102-100 victory.

     

    For many, that final sequence became the defining moment of the opener.

     

    For Oftana, however, the loss was decided much earlier.

     

    While the veteran forward admitted he felt contact on the last play, he refused to pin the result on a whistle that never came.

     

    “Alam ko may foul talaga eh, pero point-six seconds na lang yung time, talagang glimpse of an eye na lang yung nangyari. Talagang dinraw ni coach yung play na yun,” Oftana said.

     

    “Ganun talaga, pero mahaba pa naman yung series, so move forward na lang and adjust sa Game Two,” he added.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the controversial finish, Oftana pointed toward the opening stages of the game where TNT spent most of the night trying to recover from its own mistakes.

     

    Ginebra stormed to an 18-point lead and dictated the pace early, forcing the defending champions into catch-up mode. Although TNT eventually erased the deficit and even threatened to steal the victory late, the uphill battle proved costly.

     

    According to Oftana, the damage had already been done long before the final possession.

     

    “Mas maiisip mo yung first half namin. Ang sama din kasi, dami naming turnovers. They’re making their shots. Kami naman, dami namin mali,” Oftana said.

     

    “So mga ganoon bagay yung unang pasok pa lang, first quarter, second quarter, yun yung pinaka-importante.”

     

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    The numbers backed up his assessment.

     

    TNT committed 15 turnovers compared to Ginebra’s 10, repeatedly giving away possessions that allowed the Kings to build confidence and establish control. The Tropang 5G also struggled to find rhythm offensively in the early stages, forcing them to expend significant energy mounting a comeback.

     

    Oftana himself was unable to impose his usual influence on the game. The three-time champion finished with 12 points but attempted only seven shots across 40 minutes while also committing three turnovers.

     

    Despite the disappointment, TNT can draw some encouragement from the way it fought back after trailing by as many as 18 points. The defending champions nearly completed the rally before Brownlee delivered another signature clutch moment for Ginebra.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from what could have been to what comes next.

     

    Rather than replaying the final sequence, Oftana and TNT are concentrating on correcting the issues that placed them in that situation in the first place as they prepare for Game 2 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    For the Tropang 5G, the lesson from the Finals opener is clear: the last play may be remembered, but the first half may have cost them the game. 

     

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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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