TNT def Brgy. Ginebra, 104-88 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup Finals Game 1 | Oct. 27, 2024]

One of the most highly anticipated PBA Finals in recent memory is set to kick off this Sunday, drawing an expected sellout crowd to the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

This championship series promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring the titleholder TNT going head-to-head with the challenger Barangay Ginebra, both teams eager to seize the initiative in this race-to-four playoff format.

With tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m., significant proceeds from the game will be directed toward supporting victims of Typhoon Kristine through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation of TV5, with Commissioner Willie Marcial estimating sales will reach between P1.5 to P2 million.

For many fans, Game One—and indeed the entire series—presents an exciting toss-up, heightened by the fact that this will be the first face-off between TNT and Ginebra in this tournament, and their initial encounter featuring their star imports since their championship showdown in 2023.

For Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Justin Brownlee, this series serves as a pivotal tiebreaker: RHJ led TNT to victory in their first PBA clash, while JB retaliated by propelling Gilas Pilipinas to triumph over RHJ’s Jordan team in the gold medal match at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

However, the TNT-Ginebra Round II rivalry transcends just the import matchup.

It’s a clash of titans, showcasing the tactical brilliance of celebrated coaches Tim Cone and Chot Reyes, each guiding their equally matched teams as they strive for ultimate glory for their respective organizations—San Miguel Corporation versus MVP.