Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompsons shoots over TNT Tropang Giga defenders during Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –PBA IMAGES
Barangay Ginebra pounced on TNT’s frosty stretch down the crunch, hitting one tough shot after another to take a pivotal 73-66 Game 5 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night.
Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee delivered the Gin Kings’ final 12 points as the rest of the squad clamped down on the Tropang Giga at Smart Araneta Coliseum, pushing the proud franchise within sniffing range of a 16th championship.
“Honestly, we think we all knew from our side that Justin was struggling with his hand a bit more today than the last game and so everybody had to step up,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone on the heels of the tiebreaker fashioned before 12,447 screaming souls.
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 5
“And even though Justin made big shots down the stretch, it was the inspiration of Scottie that turned the tide for us. We didn’t play a good first half. The first half was like in second gear. We knew at halftime we had to step it up to a higher gear to have a chance,” he added.
Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee against TNT Tropang Giga’s Kelly Williams during Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –PBA IMAGES
Thompson put up 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Brownlee, still playing through a janky right thumb, managed to lead all Ginebra scorers and rebounders with 18 and 14.
“We all knew it was going to be a grinding game‑‑possession by possession. We just didn’t want to quit,” said Thompson, the former league Most Valuable Player who has been solid in this title showdown with TNT.
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Barangay Ginebra kept the enemy scoreless from the field for about four minutes and 56 seconds before taking home the critical win.
TNT drew 19 points both from import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac while Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy and Kim Aurin chipped in eight points each in the losing effort that cost the Tropang Giga chance to reclaim the lead after taking a 2-1 edge in the race.
Barangay Ginebra will try to finish off its tormentor on Wednesday, in another duel penciled at the fabled Big Dome.
“I think we just have to focus on one game. No past, no future. Closeout games are always the hardest to play. We’ll see what we can do. But we’ll definitely give our best,” Thompson said.
Ginebra vs TNT Game 5 scores
GINEBRA 73 – Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, J.Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Rosario 6, Malonzo 6, Holt 3, Abarrientos 2, Tenorio 0
TNT 66 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 19, Oftana 8, Pogoy 8, Aurin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Williams 0, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0
QUARTERS: 17-24, 35-45, 57-56, 73-66.