In a jaw-dropping Game 6 showdown, Barangay Ginebra triumphed over the San Miguel Beermen 102-99 to punch their ticket to the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup finals. Head coach Tim Cone’s strategic adjustments and his team’s unwavering determination proved to be the key factors in overcoming the formidable challenge posed by the Beermen.
Limiting June Mar Fajardo’s Impact
The primary focus of Ginebra’s game plan revolved around containing the seemingly unstoppable force that is June Mar Fajardo. The eight-time MVP still managed to post an impressive double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds on efficient shooting, but Ginebra successfully limited his shot attempts to just 13. By forcing San Miguel to rely more on Fajardo’s passing, Ginebra effectively disrupted their offensive rhythm.
It took every little ounce of whatever we have left to win tonight. We were limping to the finish line.
– Tim Cone, Barangay Ginebra Head Coach
The Small-Ball Gambit
With Joe Devance sidelined due to injury, Coach Cone made the bold decision to deploy smaller lineups, with Justin Brownlee anchoring the center position. While this strategy presented defensive challenges against Fajardo and San Miguel’s import EJ Anosike, it allowed Ginebra to exploit the Beermen’s drop defense, particularly Fajardo’s.
The spacing created by the drop coverage opened up driving lanes for Ginebra’s guards, resulting in a 58-52 advantage in points in the paint. This remarkable feat was achieved despite often having only one big man on the floor.
Efficient Offense Trumps All
Ginebra’s fluid ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket yielded optimal looks in the paint, as evidenced by their scorching 71.4% shooting on two-point attempts. Japeth Aguilar was a prime beneficiary of the dribble penetration, notching 20 points on an astonishing 91% field goal percentage. Maverick Ahanmisi also stepped up, delivering his best performance in a Ginebra uniform with 25 points on 77.6 true shooting percentage.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
As Ginebra gears up to face the TNT Tropang Giga in the finals, they will need to prepare for a clash of contrasting styles. TNT’s disciplined, defense-first approach, spearheaded by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, will pose a significant challenge to Ginebra’s high-octane offense. The outcome of this series will likely hinge on which team can impose their will and adapt to the other’s strengths.
He has turned that team into a defensive juggernaut, which reflects the personality of their best player in Rondae [Hollis-Jefferson], so hats off to them.
– Tim Cone on TNT Head Coach Chot Reyes
As the stage is set for an epic battle between two powerhouse teams, basketball fans across the Philippines are eagerly awaiting the start of what promises to be a thrilling PBA Governors’ Cup finals series. Will Ginebra’s offensive firepower prevail, or will TNT’s suffocating defense prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this series is not to be missed.
