Justin Brownlee clutch as Brgy. Ginebra slips past TNT to equalize Finals series
In a gritty and hard-fought clash, Brgy. Ginebra outlasted TNT in a nail-biting, low-scoring affair on Sunday, pulling off a tense 71-70 victory that leveled the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals at one game apiece after two contests.
Justin Brownlee was the standout performer, erupting for 35 points and snagging 11 rebounds, while Scottie Thompson contributed significantly with 16 points, 12 boards, and seven assists. The Gin Kings made a resounding statement after their 95-89 defeat in the series opener, battling fiercely in front of nearly 13,000 fans at the SM MOA Arena in Pasay.
After being stifled by TNT’s relentless defense in Game 1, Ginebra flipped the script with a masterclass on the other end. They held the Tropang Giga to a mere four points in the second quarter and limited them to just 19 points in the first half, showcasing their tenacity and defensive prowess.
Though TNT staged a late-game rally, exploding for a 14-3 run to claim a 70-67 lead with just 2:31 on the clock, Ginebra recalibrated and responded. Brownlee ignited his team with a pivotal four-point play, regaining the lead before Ginebra’s defense stiffened, thwarting TNT’s final two possessions to clinch the crucial win and reset the series to a best-of-five format.
Both squads will enjoy a brief two-day respite before they clash again in Game 3 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Tropang Giga will be eager to bounce back from a dismal outing characterized by abysmal shooting in the first half. They were limited to a shocking 2-of-22 from the field, totaling just four points in the second period—an all-time low for a finals quarter, surpassing San Miguel Beer’s five points in Game 7 of the 2019 Philippine Cup against Magnolia.
TNT’s first-half total of 19 points also eclipsed the previous low of 21 set by Shell in a 64-74 defeat to the eventual champions, SMB, during the 1999 Commissioner’s Cup finale.
After launching a strong 14-of-37 from beyond the arc in Game 1, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates found themselves confined to a mere 6-of-31 shooting from three-point land.
Late-game contributions from Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, and RR Pogoy, including back-to-back three-pointers and crucial free throws from RHJ, briefly propelled TNT ahead after a lengthy chase.
However, Brownlee delivered a clutch basket and converted his free throws in the final moments. In a dramatic twist, Thompson made a costly turnover with just nine seconds remaining, granting TNT one last shot at victory, but Ginebra’s defense stood tall, thwarting the Tropang Giga’s aspirations for a commanding 2-0 series lead.
