In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel outmuscled and outplayed the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, securing an 85-73 victory that breathed new life into their championship aspirations. The win, which narrowed TNT’s series lead to 2-1, was a masterclass in gritty defense and deliberate tempo control – a far cry from Ginebra’s usual fast-paced, transition-heavy style.
Ginebra Embraces the Grind
From the opening tip, it was clear that Ginebra had a new game plan. Gone were the breakneck drives and quick trigger threes. In their place, a methodical half-court offense designed to exploit mismatches and drain the clock. The change in approach caught TNT off guard, forcing them into the kind of slow, grinding affair they typically thrive in.
Yet on this night, it was Ginebra who looked more comfortable playing in the mud. They hounded TNT’s ball handlers, contested every shot, and generally made life miserable for the Tropang Giga’s usually potent offense. The numbers paint a stark picture: TNT managed just 73 points, their second-lowest output of the conference, on a paltry 32.6% shooting from the field.
Veteran Presence Pays Dividends
Key to Ginebra’s defensive stand was the increased role of veteran point guard LA Tenorio. Despite playing limited minutes throughout the conference, Tenorio got the starting nod in Game 3 and immediately made his presence felt. His seven first-quarter points set the tone early, while his four steals disrupted TNT’s offensive flow.
“I’m confident playing with kuya LA [Tenorio]. Alam na namin [‘yung laro] ng isa’t-isa and nandyan pa rin siya every game to guide me. He just knows how to win,” remarked Scottie Thompson on playing alongside Tenorio.
Another unsung hero was Joe Devance, whose return after a three-game absence provided a timely boost. Though his box score stats were modest, Devance’s ability to anchor the defense and serve as an offensive hub proved invaluable. His effective hedging on ball screens and pinpoint passing from the post kept TNT’s defense honest and opened up opportunities for his teammates.
Local Crew Steps Up
With resident import Justin Brownlee struggling to find his rhythm, Ginebra’s local contingent rose to the occasion. Scottie Thompson stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Maverick Ahanmisi provided instant offense off the bench with 16 points on an efficient 68 TS%. Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt chipped in 10 apiece, with Aguilar anchoring the interior defense and Holt hounding TNT import Hollis-Jefferson into an inefficient outing.
The balanced attack was a welcome sight for Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who acknowledged the need to ease the burden on Brownlee. “Usually if you do one thing on Justin [Brownlee], he figures it out right away. We’re having a harder time doing that in this series,” Cone admitted post-game, alluding to TNT’s stingy defense on his star import.
Turning Point or Temporary Reprieve?
As the series shifts to Game 4, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Ginebra’s Game 3 triumph was a turning point or merely a temporary reprieve. TNT, for their part, will surely look to reassert their dominance and quell any notion of a momentum shift. But if Ginebra can replicate their defensive intensity and balanced scoring, this finals matchup could be in for a serious shake-up.
One thing is certain: with the series now at 2-1 and Ginebra’s confidence surging, the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals has suddenly become a lot more intriguing. The chess match between coaches Tim Cone and Chot Reyes has reached new heights, and every possession from here on out will be hotly contested. It’s gritty, grinding basketball at its finest – and for Ginebra fans, it’s exactly what they need to keep their championship hopes alive.
