Who maintained their poise late in the game to secure a 95-89 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite a furious late-game push from the Gin Kings, TNT’s balanced attack, hot outside shooting, and defensive composure proved to be the difference.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge for TNT, finishing with 34 points, including 18 in the second quarter. His scoring outburst fueled a massive 16-point halftime lead, 55-39, giving the Tropang Giga firm control of the game.
TNT’s perimeter shooting also played a crucial role in setting the tone. After trailing 11-14 early, they unleashed a barrage of three-pointers in the closing moments of the first quarter. Roger Pogoy drilled consecutive triples, pushing TNT ahead 20-14, before closing the period with a 29-18 advantage.
Ginebra, known for its never-say-die spirit, mounted a comeback behind Justin Brownlee, who scored nine of his 28 points in the fourth quarter. The Gin Kings chipped away at an 18-point deficit, holding TNT to just eight points in the final six minutes.
However, despite Ginebra’s late push, TNT stayed composed. Head coach Chot Reyes had warned his team that Ginebra would inevitably make a run.
“We talked about it—Ginebra’s going to fight back. This team is too tough and too strong for us to have a big lead all throughout,” Reyes said.
True to his words, the Gin Kings pulled within eight, 79-87, and later closed in at 85-93 with 39 seconds left. But TNT never panicked, executing down the stretch and making the necessary stops to secure the win.
Beyond Hollis-Jefferson’s stellar night, TNT benefited from key contributions across the board. Pogoy finished with 15 points, providing timely three-pointers, while Calvin Oftana and JP Erram delivered crucial plays inside.
A pair of free throws from Erram in the final moments of the third quarter helped TNT hold an 80-66 cushion, keeping Ginebra at bay heading into the final stretch.
TNT’s victory came down to several key factors. Their strong start and outside shooting allowed them to dictate the pace early, while their defensive composure prevented Ginebra from fully erasing the lead. Hollis-Jefferson’s leadership and scoring provided stability, and the contributions from Pogoy, Oftana, and Erram ensured they had the depth to sustain their advantage.
With this win, TNT takes a crucial 1-0 series lead, putting the pressure on Ginebra to respond in Game 2.