HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 7
- Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the TNT Tropang Giga clash for one last time in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 7.
- Ginebra took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series before TNT equalized in a wild Game 6 win last Wednesday.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone has little to say over another PBA Finals loss
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone during Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. The Gin King lost in overtime, 87-83. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra coach Tim Cone was one of the first guys to leave Smart Araneta Coliseum following the Gin Kings’ loss in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the hands of TNT.
As tough as it was swallowing an 87-83 loss—in overtime in Game 7, no less—to fumble the chance at the championship, Cone gave credit where credit was due and tipped his hat to back-to-back champions, the Tropang Giga.
“They made the big plays down the stretch. That’s all I have to say, what else do I have to say?” said Cone to reporters followed by a shrug after a Friday night classic.
Nothing to be ashamed of for Ginebra after showing up for seven insane games in the #PBAFinals. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/9f2GTLhy8j
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Coach Tim Cone briefly congratulates TNT after winning the #PBAFinals. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/W7Q3oYcOiy
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Rey Nambatac’s PBA Finals MVP run no surprise to Jayson Castro
Rey Nambatac is named the PBA Finals MVP of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where TNT beat Barangay Ginebra in 7 games. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—One of the those most proud of Rey Nambatac’s newest achievement in the PBA is none other than TNT legend Jayson Castro.
After all, Castro’s absence left a huge void in the Tropang Giga’s lineup en route to their bid for the Commissioner’s Cup, paving the way for Nambatac to take the reins in leading the team.
So when Nambatac won the Honda-PBA Press Corps Finals MVP, Castro beamed with pride both as a mentor and a teammate.
From one Finals MVP to another, Jayson Castro expresses pride for Rey Nambatac after winning his own #PBAFinals MVP. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/qM5TR3lenz
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Rey Nambatac wins PBA Finals MVP for TNT
Rey Nambatac is named the PBA Finals MVP of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup where TNT beat Barangay Ginebra in 7 games. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
For his stellar play and for filling the void left by an injured star, TNT guard Rey Nambatac was awarded the Honda-PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player on Friday night.
Nambatac hit the milestone after averaging 17.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through seven grueling games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship series against Barangay Ginebra.
An off-season pickup from a trade with Blackwater last year, Nambatac fit in right away with Tropang Giga. His steady playmaking and production off the bench gave the telco club an added dimension in its run-up to the Governors’ Cup championship this season.
What a moment for Stingrey, powering TNT sans lead guard Jayson Castro. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/p0OUOtB6MV
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
WATCH: TNT celebrates Game 7 win vs Ginebra in the PBA Finals
Calvin Oftana is a champion once more! #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/mbFxaZzUOu
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Three-time Best Import. Three-time PBA champion.
RECOGNIZE RHJ. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/FXvG90c7sn
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Tears of joy. That must feel so freakin’ good for Poy Erram! #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/oAg4RXMpkm
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
BALLGAME. TNT savors the overtime win vs. Ginebra! #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/6PtX6WlN5v
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
TNT conquers Ginebra in Game 7 classic to win 11th PBA title
The TNT Tropang Giga lift the PBA Commissioner’s Cup trophy after beating Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 7. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
TNT weathered every challenge Barangay Ginebra threw its way on Friday night and delivered in the biggest moments for an 87-83 Game 7 overtime victory to put itself atop the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Tropang Giga, on the shoulders of Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, off-season pickup Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin dispatched the crowd darlings in seven grueling games to capture its 11th crown in franchise history.
Hollis-Jefferson delivered 25 points and 12 rebounds and was steadily there for the telco club each time the Gin Kings threatened to come back in the thriller witnessed by 21,274 roaring fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
PBA Finals Live Updates: Ginebra vs TNT Game 7
OVERTIME
- FINAL: TNT escapes Ginebra, 87-83, in an absolute barn-burner of a Game 7 to claim the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship!
- Justin Brownlee tries to let a one fly from the four-point area, and that’s a miss.
- Four Ginebra players swarm RHJ, who loses the ball. Calvin Oftana salvages that broken play and makes a crucial layup. TNT leads Ginebra, 87-83. 6 seconds left.
- TNT possession. Ginebra has a foul to give and they take it. 12 seconds.
- Scottie Thompson couldn’t make that crucial 3 attempt! He had a chance to recover the ball, but he loses the handle on it. 13.4 seconds let.
- Khobuntin misses the layup for TNT. Chance to tie for Ginebra with 30 seconds to go!
- Jamie Malonzo makes 2 pressure-packed FTs. Ginebra 83-85 TNT, 51 seconds left.
- Scottie Thompson finds a cutting Japeth Aguilar, who makes the 2. Ginebra trails 85-81, 2:08.
- TNT pounces on Ginebra’s bungled possessions. On the other end, Glenn Khobuntin makes a HUGE 3 from the left corner. Now an 85-79 lead for TNT, 2:25 left in OT.
- Poy Erram splits from the line. TNT 82-79 Ginebra. 3:53.
- Rey Nambatac left all alone for 2. TNT 81-79 Ginebra, 4:51.
Rocking crowd even after 48 minutes of action. Safe to say they’re having fun here in Game 7 of the #PBAFinals. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/FYXWmwsJHb
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
FOURTH QUARTER
- END OF REGULATION: TNT 79-79 Ginebra.
- Final posession for TNT. RHJ iso, Ginebra double teams, he launches and misfires. We’re going into overtime!
- Justin Brownlee launches a 3 from top of the key over Varilla and it’s GOOD! Insane clutch showing from the Ginebra import. Tied game at 79! 16.7 seconds left.
- Just an impressive display of heart and grit from both teams, especially imports RHJ and Brownlee.
- Rondae Hollis Jefferson attacks and scores despite the contact! TNT with a 79-77 lead. 21.2 left. He is wincing after that shot and is helped to the bench during the timeout.
- Brownlee pure will power on that shot over RHJ’s lock down defense. Ginebra 76-77 TNT. 31.9.
- Glenn Khobuntin AGAIN. Crucial jumper to give TNT a 77-74 lead with 47 seconds left! Crazy final minutes here in the fourth, and it’s only fitting for a Game 7!
- RJ Barrientos with a clutch 2! Ginebra down 75-74, 1:16 left.
- TNT couldn’t extend its lead as Nambatac misfires on that 3. Brownlee gets the ball, but Khobuntin fouls. TNT still not in penalty.
- Last 2 minutes and TNT still holding on to a 75-72 lead. Both teams haven’t scored in 2 minutes.
- JB pulls up over RHJ, but couldn’t convert. TNT gets the ball back. 2:19 to play.
- TNT couldn’t capitalize on the defensive stop with a 24-second violation. Ginebra calls for time. TNT leads 75-72, 2:45 to play.
- TNT forces a HUGE turnover as Nambatac steals the ball from Ahanmisi. 3:11.
- Glenn Khobutin for 3! TNT back in the lead, 75-72, 4:02 to play. Hot streak lets the Tropang Giga get the momentum back.
- ANOTHER BIG SHOT FROM OFTANA. He nails back to back 3s for TNT. Tied game at 72. 4:50.
- Calvin Oftana with a pull-up 3 in transition! Big shot. TNT down by just 2, 71-69. 6:06 to play.
Erram gets called for a flagrant foul after an inadvertent elbow to Japeth Aguilar.
Aguilar sinks 1/2 of his freebies to put Gins up, 71-66, with 7:05 to go. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/oTFNecJUG8
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2025
- Poy Erram called for a flagrant foul penalty 1 after that hit on Japeth. Ginebra gets 2 freethrows and ball posession.
- Poy Erram scores 2. Ginebra 70-66 TNT.
- Stephen Holt catches the errant pass and goes all the way for 2. Ginebra pushes its lead to 70-64, over 8 minutes to play.
- Japeth Aguilar tips in Brownlee miss. Ginebra now up 68-64, 8:53.
- Justin Brownlee answers with a jumper over Pogoy! Ginebra 66-64 TNT.
- RHJ with that tough, TOUGH spin against a double team. Tied game at 64, 10:40 left.
- Final quarter under way! TNT with a quick 2, Stephen Holt retakes the lead for Ginebra, 64-62.
THIRD QUARTER
- END OF THIRD: Ginebra leads TNT 62-60. Justin Brownlee with 21 so far for Ginebra, nine in the third.
- Stephen Holt with a contested long 2 from the corner! Ginebra leads by 3, 60-57, its biggest lead. 1:35.
- Justin Brownlee finishes with that one hander! Ginebra leads again, 58-57. 2:18.
- Momentum-busting basket from Glenn Khobutin. TNT 57-56 Ginebra.
- Justin Brownlee pounces on that TNT turnover and slams it home! Ginebra now in the lead, 56-55. 3:13.
- RJ Abarrientos swishes a jumper from the freethrow line!
- RHJ goes 2-for-2 from the line. TNT leads Ginebra 55-52, 4:02.
- Stephen Holt makes both freethrows to pull Ginebra within one, 53-52. 4:30.
- Scottie Thompson with another 3, this time from the right corner! Ginebra trails by just 53-50, 4:57.
- RHJ completes an and-1! TNT 53-47. 6:12.
- Amid his hot streak, Nambatac is subbed out due to cramps.
Tonight’s gate attendance for Game 7 of the #PBAFinals here at Araneta Coliseum: 21,274. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/iZfpBaQxDS
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2025
- Rey Nambatac with another 3 from the corner! TNT back in the lead vs Ginebra, 50-47. 6:43.
- Scottie Thompson for 3! And just like that, the game is tied at 45. 7:48.
- But Nambatac answers with a 3 in the next posession. TNT lead 45-40. 8:30.
- Justin Brownl33! He makes his third triple of the game. TNT 42-40 Ginebra. 9:02.
- Poy Erram with an easy 2 after he was left all alone inside the paint. TNT leads 42-37.
- Ginebra getting lots of chances at the basket as it dominates the offensive boards.
- Japeth Aguilar with a teardrop to open the scoring for Ginebra in the third. TNT 40-37 Ginebra.
Still plenty to play in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. TNT ahead of Ginebra, 40-35 #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/GH1z6ww41h
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
SECOND QUARTER
- END OF SECOND: TNT holds on to a 40-35 lead vs Ginebra after a thrilling first half windup.
- RHJ posterizes Japeth Aguilar with a one-handed jam! TNT leads 40-35.
- Justin Brownlee responds to Nambatac’s run with his own 6-0 blast on two straight triples! TNT 38-35 Ginebra.
- Rey Nambatac is going off here! A personal 7-0 run capped by a top-of-the-key 3. TNT up 38-29, 1:47.
- Rey Nambatac to Pogoy, who makes the 3! TNT leads 31-29.
- Troy Rosario gives Ginebra its first lead of the game, 29-28! Midway through the second.
- Japeth Aguilar with the offensive board and 2. TNT 28-27 Ginebra.
- RHJ with a baseline jumper, gives TNT a 28-25 lead. 6:14.
- Stephen Holt with a long bomb for Ginebra! TNT 26-25 Ginebra. 6:32.
- Calvin Oftana finally makes that shot fall as he makes a long 2! TNT leads 26-22.
- Calvin Oftana tries for another 3, but no go. He hasn’t scored yet for TNT.
- RHJ ends that scoring drought for TNT with 2 FTs. TNT 24-22. 7:50.
- Poy Erram, defending Justin Brownlee, in early foul trouble again with his third.
- TNT all over the place here in the second quarter. This time, Pogoy called for a travel. Ginebra with a chance to take the lead.
- Justin Brownlee ties the game at 22 all. Ginebra with a 10-0 here now.
- Another turnover for TNT! After a hot start, the Tropang Giga remain in search for their first basket in the second.
- That’s an 8-0 run for Ginebra after Scottie finishes with a nifty move. Ginebra now just down, 22-20, 10:50.
- Ginebra assistant Richard Del Rosario: “We just need to settle down. We had a lot of good looks, but we couldn’t convert. We hope to be better in the second.”
FIRST QUARTER
END OF FIRST: It can be anyone’s ballgame after one quarter but it’s TNT who took the lead after the opening period over Ginebra, 22-16. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ
Follow live updates for the #PBAFinals Game 7: https://t.co/L5MptEtVuE pic.twitter.com/HnjBwRtN0a
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
- END OF FIRST: TNT leads Ginebra, 22-16.
- Aguilar scores just as the buzzer sounds!
- Scottie Thompson finds a gap in the lane and finishes all the way for 2. TNT 22-14 Ginebra.
- First double digit lead for TNT, 22-12, after a split from Nambatac.
- Rey Nambatac for 3! TNT with its biggest lead so far, 21-12. 1:37.
- Maverick Ahanmisi scores for Ginebra. Khobuntin converts for TNT TNT 18-12 Ginebra.
- Pogoy posts up Ahanmisi and scores. TNT 16-9 Ginebra.
- Scottie Thompson with his first 3 of the game! Much-needed basket for Ginebra. TNT 14-9 Ginebra.
- RHJ shrugs off Malonzo’s defense and scores on a fallaway! TNT 14-6 Ginebra 4:40.
- Batangay Ginebra scoreless for about 3 minutes now as it couldn’t convert on several attempts.
- Calvin Oftana drops it to Kelly Williams inside! TNT 12-6 Ginebra, 7:24.
- Justin Brownlee follows up his own miss! TNT 10-6 Ginebra 7:47.
- TNT opens a 10-4 lead as RHJ catches the pass inside the paint and scores.
- Ginebra on the board courtesy of Japeth Aguilar’s two freethrows. 9:53.
- TNT scores on the fast break after Pogoy’s steal. TNT with a 6-0 lead here.
- Rondae Hollis Jefferson with an aggressive start here! He attacks the basket and finishes off the glass. TNT with a 4-0 lead and Ginebra calls for time, just 1:11 into the game.
- RHJ scores first two points of Game 7 as he makes both freethrows. TNT leads 2-0.
- Starters in the winner-take-all PBA Finals Game 7:
- Barangay Ginebra – Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, Jamie Malonzo, Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar
- TNT – Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, Roger Pogoy, Rondae Hollis Jefferson
Barangay Ginebra and TNT during player introductions prior to Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SU5DrSAZt1
— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) March 28, 2025
Scenes before Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals tips off at Smart Araneta Coliseum #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/kO7V5eO0Ih
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
Does he have your attention now? 💪
Poy Erram is introduced for TNT in Game 7 of the #PBAFinals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Uvi5lrBVAY
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2025
Heart and soul.
Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson and import Justin Brownlee is introduced in front of a loud crowd here inside Araneta Coliseum for Game 7. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/GTkPbVsYRv
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
- Roster introductions begin ahead of the Game 7 between Barangay Ginebra and TNT!
The PBA Commissioner's Cup trophy that will be handed after the winner of tonight's game #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/C7oVBqqNqc
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
All business.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson arrives for his first Game 7 in the #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/GaSvyIyB5L
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 28, 2025
A storm is brewing. A Game 7 storm to be exact.
The Araneta Coliseum is enveloped with lights and silence before TNT and Ginebra go on one final showdown to determine the captors of this season’s Commissioner’s Cup. #PBAFinals pic.twitter.com/KYxalmoA5q
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2025
For the #PBASeason49 Commissioner's Cup 🏆
Game 7 – March 28 – Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum
7:30 PM
BARANGAY GINEBRA San Miguel vs TNT Tropang Giga#PBAAngatAngLaban#PBAFinalsG7GINvsTNT pic.twitter.com/iuARp5WEHc— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 27, 2025
PBA Finals: Perfect ending to a classic title series as TNT, Ginebra battle in Game 7
Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, two of the best imports in the PBA battle, in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
As Rondae Hollis-Jefferson enters uncharted territory for the first time in his PBA career, he feels that nothing needs to be done out of the ordinary in order for TNT to get its third championship since his debut two years ago.
“I’ve never been to a Game 7,” the ex-NBA player said. “But at the end of the day, it’s basketball. It’s do-or-die for both sides, it’s win-or-go-home and it’s about giving everything or don’t show up.”
The decider of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals tips off at 7:30 p.m. at an expected sold-out Smart Araneta Coliseum, with many wanting to see a thriller of a finish to a series that may go down as one of the best title showdowns in league history.
PBA Finals: Admitting he needs help, Poy Erram provides aid for TNT
TNT Tropang Giga big man Poy Erram during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Hurled every insult imaginable from fans and netizens following a series of meltdowns in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Poy Erram clapped back with a performance that pushed a series to remember to where it should be: Game 7.
Erram’s play on both ends provided cover for the stirring performances from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac as TNT played party pooper Wednesday night with an 87-83 win that shuttered Barangay Ginebra’s first crack at claiming the title.
And after putting 14 points, six rebounds, plus the intangibles despite early foul trouble, Erram acknowledged the need to address issues that led to some of the outbursts that have been the subject of concern and ridicule, depending on which side observers are.
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT schedule
Game 7, March 28, Friday – Smart Araneta Coliseum
- 7:30pm – TNT Tropang Giga vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings
FULL PBA FINALS SCHEDULE HERE.
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