The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings put on a dominant display in Game 5 of their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals series against the San Miguel Beermen, cruising to a 121-92 victory. The win puts Ginebra just one game away from advancing to the finals, where the TNT Tropang Giga await after sweeping the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the other semifinal matchup.
Ginebra’s masterful performance was sparked by an unlikely hero off the bench – RJ Abarrientos. The young guard exploded for a career-high 28 points on an efficient 64.3% shooting from the field, providing a much-needed boost to the Gin Kings’ offense.
Ginebra’s Tactical Adjustments
Coach Tim Cone and the Ginebra coaching staff made a key adjustment in Game 5, utilizing multiple ball screen actions involving Abarrientos and June Mar Fajardo. This tactic forced the 6-foot-10 Fajardo to defend in space, wearing him down over the course of the game.
Abarrientos, along with Justin Brownlee and Stephen Holt, relentlessly attacked Fajardo’s drop coverage in pick-and-roll situations, scoring on drives and punishing the big man’s defensive positioning. This strategic move proved to be a game-changer for Ginebra.
Scottie Thompson’s All-Around Impact
Another key contributor for Ginebra was Scottie Thompson, who filled the stat sheet with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Thompson’s activity was crucial in keeping the Gin Kings afloat during San Miguel’s early onslaught, as he poured in 18 points in the first quarter alone.
“When RJ [Abarrientos] and Joe [Devance] came in, they settled us down. I think we were just too pumped in the beginning and were thinking about the game too much,” coach Tim Cone said about the slow start.
San Miguel’s Struggles
For San Miguel, their hot shooting from earlier in the series cooled off significantly in Game 5. The Beermen connected on just 22.2% (6-27) of their attempts from beyond the arc, allowing Ginebra to pack the paint and stifle their offense.
The Beermen did find some success with the CJ Perez-Fajardo pick-and-roll combination, which created opportunities for Perez to drive, Fajardo to roll to the basket, and shooters to get open looks when Ginebra’s defense collapsed. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome their defensive lapses, as they allowed Ginebra to score a staggering 121 points.
TNT Awaits in the Finals
In the other semifinal series, TNT made quick work of Rain or Shine, demonstrating their ability to play at multiple tempos and styles. The Tropang Giga’s versatility and defensive prowess were on full display, as they limited the Elasto Painters’ run-and-gun offense and forced them into difficult half-court possessions.
“There’s no secret to our game, we hang our hats on stopping the other team. When we make stops, we get a lot of [scoring] opportunities,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said after the series-clinching win.
Looking ahead to the potential finals matchup, TNT’s ability to play lockdown defense while maintaining their offensive firepower could pose a significant challenge for whoever emerges from the Ginebra-San Miguel series.
The Road Ahead
For Ginebra, the task is clear – win one more game and punch their ticket to the PBA Governors’ Cup finals. They’ll look to ride the momentum from their Game 5 victory and continue to exploit San Miguel’s defensive weaknesses.
The Beermen, on the other hand, find themselves with their backs against the wall. They’ll need to regroup quickly and find a way to slow down Ginebra’s surging offense while rediscovering their own shooting touch from earlier in the series. If they can force a Game 7, anything can happen in a winner-take-all scenario.
No matter which team advances, basketball fans are in for a treat as the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs continue to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. With Ginebra on the brink of the finals and TNT lying in wait, the stage is set for an epic conclusion to this thrilling postseason.
