The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings came out in full force to bounce back from its previous loss and seize a 2-1 lead in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup finals.
All of the Gin Kings’ starters finished in double figures as they dominated the TNT Tropang 5G, 116-102, in Game 3 of the best-of-seven clash before 18,607 fans on Sunday, June 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Leading the charge was Justin Brownlee, who erupted for 41 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Stephen Holt caught fire early, posting 23 points on five three-pointers and a four-point shot to snap his personal slump.
“In a finals game, I don’t think everyone realizes how difficult it is to get an early lead and keep it all the way,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, as Brownlee and Holt helped their squad avoid squandering a 22-point advantage.
Also crucial was RJ Abarrientos, who found his rhythm late and finished with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. He also knocked down timely three- and four-point shots that restored Ginebra’s double-digit cushion.
Scottie Thompson likewise delivered with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and a steal as Japeth Aguilar added 11 points and six boards.
Those contributions were made possible by Holt’s scorching start.
After averaging just 0.5 points through the first two games of the series, Holt knocked down his first six shots and scored 18 points in the opening half, helping Ginebra build and maintain a double-digit lead for most of the contest.
Roger Pogoy, however, spearheaded TNT’s late rally, trimming the deficit to eight, 94-86, with a three-pointer and 6:40 remaining in the game.
Unfortunately for the Tropang 5G, Abarrientos responded with crucial baskets to restore order for Ginebra, while Brownlee and Holt applied the finishing touches to seal the victory.
“Stephen got us going early. RJ orchestrated our offense tonight, and we knew this could be a pivotal game for us, so we’re pleased to get the victory,” said Cone.
On the other hand, Chris McCullough erupted for a conference-high 44 points to go along with 13 rebounds and four assists, though he also committed seven turnovers.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, it was the highest-scoring finals performance since former Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham poured in 46 points in a 114-109 overtime win over Ginebra in Game 1 of the 2016 Governors’ Cup finals.
Pogoy led all local scorers with 28 points built on seven three-pointers, while Calvin Oftana was limited to just two points after erupting for 31 in TNT’s Game 2 victory. (ABS-CBN News)