MANILA, Philippines – Can Barangay Ginebra finally end its two-year title drought?
Up 3-2 in its best-of-seven series against TNT, Ginebra goes for the kill in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 26.
After both teams posted alternating victories in the first four games of the tightly contested series, the Gin Kings finally scored back-to-back wins following a 73-66 come-from-behind escape of the Tropang Giga in Game 5 last Sunday, March 23, to close in on the championship.
As expected, Justin Brownlee — who is still playing with a dislocated right thumb — led the way for the Gin Kings with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists on another efficient 9-of-15 shooting night.
Scottie Thompson also took charge for Ginebra, recording his own double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, to go with 5 assists and 2 steals.
With just one win away from the title, look for Brownlee and Thompson to leave it all on the floor for the Gin Kings anew as they hope to reclaim the Commissioner’s Cup crown they last won in the 2022-2023 season.
Also count on the likes of Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos to step up big for Ginebra as both players aim to capture their first PBA championship.
For TNT, expect a huge bounce-back effort from Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson after firing blanks once more in Game 5.
Hollis-Jefferson still managed to finish with a team-best 19 points — tied with Rey Nambatac — but shot another lowly 7-of-26 field goal clip.
Aside from Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang Giga will also need more production from Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy after both stars were limited to just 8 points apiece in Game 5 by the Gin Kings’ stifling defense.
Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com