TNT outlasts Brgy. Ginebra in Game 6, repeats as Governors’ Cup champs

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro erupted in triumphant roars as the final buzzer of Game 6 reverberated through the air. Their jubilant cries barely cut through the thunderous cheers of the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum, mingling with the ecstatic celebrations of their teammates.

Yet, their impact on the game, with the championship hanging in the balance, was undeniably thunderous.

The dynamic duo orchestrated a stunning fourth-quarter assault as the Tropang Giga showcased their dominance over the Barangay Ginebra Kings, clinching the title with a 95-85 victory in Game 6 of the PBA Season 48 Finals on Friday, Nov. 8.

Despite trailing by double digits in the second half—thanks to a timely surge from RJ Abarrientos—TNT exhibited remarkable championship poise in the closing moments, rallying to overcome Ginebra and secure the franchise’s 10th title.

Hollis-Jefferson reaffirmed his status as the conference’s Best Import, narrowly missing a triple-double with an impressive stat line of 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in another grueling performance with little rest.

He contributed nine crucial points in the final quarter, while Castro showcased his playmaking brilliance, first snagging a pivotal offensive rebound and then setting up Kelly Williams for a critical insurance basket in the dying moments.

The two-time former Best Point Guard in Asia displayed flashes of his youthful brilliance, wrapping up the series with 13 points and six assists, earning him the coveted Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac shone as well, contributing 13 and 12 points, respectively. After allowing Ginebra to explode for 27 and 31 points in the second and third quarters, TNT reverted to their trademark suffocating defense in the final period, limiting the Kings to a mere 11 points.

Entering the decisive quarter still down by eight, at 74-66, Hollis-Jefferson ignited the comeback, scoring five consecutive points before Nambatac unleashed a booming three-pointer to tie the game.

From that point, it was a nail-biting contest, with Abarrientos—who scored 18 of his 31 points in the second quarter to erase an early TNT lead—keeping the Kings within striking distance, while Castro and Pogoy alternated in lifting the Tropang Giga.

Back-to-back baskets from Hollis-Jefferson in the final 2:30 pushed TNT ahead, setting the stage for Castro’s deft assist to Williams for the dagger that sealed the game.

Justin Brownlee contributed 16 points in a valiant effort to support Abarrientos’ scoring explosion, but it fell short once again, as he faced the disappointment of being denied the title once more by Hollis-Jefferson and the resilient TNT squad.