Ginebra guard Maverick Ahanmisi takes a 3-point shot during Game 6 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against San Miguel.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—With some of Ginebra’s hitters misfiring, the Gin Kings flaunted their depth and drew a sterling performance from Maverick Ahanmisi in a win that clinched the crowd darlings’ return to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Ahanmisi unleashed a team-high 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field as Ginebra closed out San Miguel Beer in Game 6 of their semifinals showdown at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“A lot of people stepped up tonight like Japeth (Aguilar) and RJ (Abarrientos) down the line but I think that’s what the characteristic of this team is the next man has to step up,” said Ahanmisi following the 102-99 win that arranged a finals rematch with reigning conference champion TNT.
READ: Ginebra eliminates San Miguel, sets up PBA Finals rematch vs TNT
Ginebra coach Tim Cone and Mav Ahanmisi after advancing to the #PBAFinals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/NHn1HypQlo
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) October 20, 2024
“I think that’s the characteristic of this team: next man up. If Justin (Brownlee) has an off night, we have to help.”
Veteran forward Japeth Aguilar and rookie RJ Abarrientos, who was coming off a 28-point effort in Game 5 on Wednesday, stepped up too with 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Ahanmisi picked up the slack with Justin Brownlee not having his usual explosive and efficient outing with 21 points on just 9-of-21 from the field. Stephen Holt was also held to just three points in 35 minutes.
READ: PBA: Ginebra crushes San Miguel, closes in on finals
Game 1 of the PBA Finals is on Sunday, October 27, at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“It’s been a while and [I’m] definitely excited to be back in the Finals. It’s been a long time coming but I’m just glad we made it here ‘cause it was a tough series and tough playoffs so far.”
“Job’s not done yet so we’ll see what we can do in the Finals.”