PBA: Jamie Malonzo eyes bounce-back effort for Ginebra in Game 2

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jamie Malonzo during Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo was back in the PBA Finals stage for the first time in almost two years for the Gin Kings.

Malonzo’s return on the PBA’s biggest stage, however, did not turn out well as Ginebra took a 95-89 loss to TNT in Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

“[This is my] first finals [after a while], but I’ve been here before. I just need to get this one out of my way and try to have a better game next game for sure,” said Malonzo.

READ: With controlled enthusiasm, Jamie Malonzo embraces challenge to step up for Ginebra

Ginebra will certainly need more from Malonzo in Game 2 after the forward tallied just two points and a rebound in 13 minutes of action on Friday after averaging 17.6 points in the semifinals against top seed NorthPort.

“I haven’t played here (MOA Arena) in a while so I guess you can say [it was a factor] but we’ll be good.”

The 28-year-old Malonzo said one of the mistakes Ginebra made in Game 1 was playing TNT’s game.

READ: PBA Finals: Tim Cone, Ginebra tired of being outcoached, outplayed

“We might’ve played into their game. A lot of their shooters were getting open shots, Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) had himself a game so I think we’ll go back and make some defensive adjustments.”

“They came out and played really well, Rondae had a great game but I think the Finals is a game of adjustments so we’ll have to go back to the drawing board, make a few adjustments and come back here on Sunday.”

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with 34 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to power the Tropang Giga.