MANILA, Philippines – TNT and Ginebra went the distance in a thrilling Game 7 showdown! With the championship hanging in the balance, Tropang Giga edged out the Gin Kings in overtime, 87-83, to capture the Commissioner’s Cup title on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
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| Not even cramping legs and exhaustion could stop Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from leading TNT to its 11th PBA title! Photo Credit: PBA.ph |
With the series now tied, PBA fans anticipated an all-out battle between Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga, and the teams did not disappoint. Right from the opening tip, both squads traded baskets in a high-intensity showdown, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Tropang Giga, led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, seized the early momentum and established a slim lead over Ginebra. In addition to their offensive firepower, TNT’s flawless ball control and zero turnovers early in the first quarter kept them firmly in command.
Beyond Hollis-Jefferson’s dominance, Rey Nambatac played a crucial role in TNT’s scoring surge, tormenting the Gin Kings with his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc. The sharpshooting guard, known as “StingRey,” provided a significant spark throughout the series, stepping up as a reliable substitute for Jayson Castro, who suffered a knee injury in the semifinals.
Tropang Giga maintained control throughout the first quarter, holding onto the lead despite Ginebra’s efforts to close the gap. The Gin Kings had their moments, but TNT’s composure and efficiency kept them ahead, finishing the opening period with a 22-16 advantage.
The quarter break reinvigorated the Gin Kings, igniting their intensity as they stormed into the second period with renewed energy. Coach Tim Cone’s squad wasted no time chipping away at TNT’s lead, eventually drawing level for the first time in the game.
Beyond their offensive resurgence, Ginebra’s confidence soared when TNT’s Poy Erram picked up his third personal foul. Sensing an opportunity, Coach Tim Cone capitalized on Erram’s absence by going big, simultaneously deploying Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, and Troy Rosario to dominate the paint.
Ginebra’s triple-tower lineup made an immediate impact, electrifying the crowd as they grabbed the lead from Tropang Giga. However, their momentum was short-lived, as TNT quickly turned the tide with RR Pogoy’s scorching touch from beyond the arc, keeping the Texters ahead.
Justin Brownlee, who had been relatively silent for most of the first half, came alive in the closing minutes of the second quarter, catching fire from beyond the arc. His late surge provided a much-needed spark for Ginebra, narrowing TNT’s lead to 40-35 heading into the halftime break.
Brownlee’s intensity carried into the third quarter, joined by court general Scottie Thompson, as both reached double figures early. More importantly, they kept Ginebra competitive and prevented TNT from pulling away.
Noticing Brownlee’s dominance from all areas of the court, Coach Chot Reyes instructed his players to apply a relentless double-team whenever he had possession. Despite the defensive pressure, Brownlee became the first player to hit the 20-point mark in the game.
Ginebra’s local players also deserve credit for keeping the game tight, playing a crucial role in their comeback. RJ Abarrientos was among the key contributors, helping the Gin Kings edge ahead with a 62-60 lead heading into the final quarter.
Ginebra turned up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, forcing key stops that quickly translated into points. With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings steadily built their lead, putting TNT on the brink of a collapse.
Ginebra’s scoring surge wasn’t TNT’s only concern. Poy Erram stirred more trouble with his on-court antics, this time landing an elbow to Japeth Aguilar’s face. The lanky center was immediately hit with a technical foul and forced to sit out for three minutes as part of the penalty.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the intensity reached its peak. Every possession became a battle, with players hitting the hardwood, scrambling for loose balls, and wrestling for control. The physicality of the game was on full display as neither team backed down, knowing that each play could tip the scales in their favor.
Barangay Ginebra held the lead throughout the final quarter, appearing to have the game under control until Calvin Oftana caught fire from beyond the arc. With three minutes left on the clock, the sharpshooter sparked a late-game surge, draining clutch triples that reclaimed the lead for TNT and shifted the momentum in their favor.
The Kings battled back with a pair of clutch baskets, slicing TNT’s lead down to just one with a minute left in the series. Hollis-Jefferson answered with a strong finish to push the lead back to three, but Brownlee refused to back down, drilling a cold-blooded three-pointer to knot the game once again.
With just 16 seconds remaining and TNT in possession, the fate of Game 7 hung in the balance. The ball found its way to Hollis-Jefferson, but Ginebra’s relentless defense smothered him, forcing a difficult, off-balance jumper. The shot missed its mark, sending the game into a nail-biting overtime with the score deadlocked at 79 apiece.
The overtime period started on a rough note for Ginebra, as TNT struck first despite Hollis-Jefferson battling through cramps and sheer exhaustion. Pushing past the pain, the Tropang Giga import continued to grind, setting the tone for a gritty finish.
Ginebra had multiple chances to seal the victory, but fate seemed to favor TNT. The Tropang Giga dominated possession throughout the extra period, capitalizing on every opportunity to keep the Kings at bay and inch closer to victory.
With the shot clock turned off and TNT clinging to a slim lead, Calvin Oftana slipped past Ginebra’s defenders for a clutch layup, sealing Tropang Giga’s 87-83 victory and crowning them the PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions.
As the icing on the cake, TNT’s Rey “StingRey” Nambatac earned the PBA Finals Most Valuable Player honors.
Congratulations to TNT Tropang Giga on capturing your 11th PBA title! Hats off to Ginebra for an electrifying series that kept fans on the edge of their seats!
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
