TNT regains Finals series lead after close Game 3 win
After a heartbreaking setback in their last matchup, the Tropang Giga seized control of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals with a narrow 87-85 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Playing without their star Justin Brownlee for the final 18 minutes due to an injury, the Gin Kings showcased their grit and determination, but the Tropang Giga proved resolute. Key late-game contributions from Rey Nambatac and Glenn Khobuntin propelled TNT to victory, demonstrating their ability to rise in clutch moments.
“I told the players that we were going to see the best version of Ginebra, even without Justin. We needed to bring our A-game. I reminded them of how formidable and deep this team is,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “When they went up by three, we didn’t panic—that was the turning point.”
Brownlee, who appeared to suffer a suspected dislocated right thumb in the third quarter, was taken to the hospital before the game concluded. His status for Game Four at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo this Friday remains uncertain.
With the game tied at 82, Nambatac’s aggressive play resulted in a crucial three-point play, followed by a breakaway layup from Khobuntin, sealing a second win for the Tropang Giga in the series after their initial 95-89 triumph in Game 1.
Nambatac delivered a standout performance, leading the team with 24 points, including an impressive 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, along with seven assists and five rebounds—despite four turnovers. The former Letran star ignited the Tropang Giga’s comeback from a nine-point deficit late in the first half.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. His contributions were pivotal, particularly his defensive stops and hustle plays that energized TNT down the stretch.
A key moment came when Kelly Williams executed a defensive play that forced RJ Abarrientos into a critical error. Hollis-Jefferson seized the loose ball, igniting a fast break that culminated in Khobuntin’s decisive bucket.
Trailing 82-87 with just 14.4 seconds remaining, the Gin Kings fought back, cutting the deficit to two with a three-pointer from Scottie Thompson. However, they could not muster another opportunity to halt the Tropang Giga’s momentum as they took charge in the series.
Before exiting, Brownlee had contributed 19 points, six assists, and four rebounds, leaving a significant void for Ginebra as they prepare for their next challenge.
