TNT braces for ‘big Ginebra fightback’

MANILA, Philippines — One win away from repeating as PBA Govenors’ Cup champions, the TNT Tropang Giga expect Barangay Ginebra to “play harder and better,” in Game 6 Friday night. 

TNT blasted the Gin Kings, 99-72, in Game 5 on Wednesday to grab a 3-2 series lead. 

They will try to clinch the title on Friday night, but head coach Chot Reyes said that the squad is expecting a much better showing from Ginebra this time around, especially since Justin Brownlee struggled mightily in their previous game. 

Brownlee scored just eight points on 3-of-13 shooting on Wednesday. 

“I think we were fortunate he had an off night. We know that's not going to persist in the next game. And Coach Tim [Cone] already rested him early, kind of preparing him for a one step backward, two steps forward attack in the next game,” Reyes told reporters after Game 5. 

“So we just need to be ready. We know he's going to come out hard, as is the entire Ginebra team. So we just need to make sure that we stay on our toes and be prepared for a big Ginebra fightback in the next game,” he added. 

After TNT held a 2-0 series lead, they lost the next two contests to extend the best-of-seven championship round. 

But they were able to regain control of the series with a masterclass of a Game 5, where they forced Ginebra to shoot just 24-of-75 from the field, good for 32%. 

The Gin Kings were also outrebounded 53-43.

In comparison, the Tropang Giga shot 37-of-78 from the field, good for 47.4%. 

Five players finished in double figures led by Rondae  Hollis-Jefferson and RR Pogoy, who both scored 16 apiece. 

Ginebra was led by LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson, who had 13 each. 

“Yeah, at this point in the series, there's very little each of the teams can do na bago. It's just a matter of being able to play harder, play better, execute more efficiently. So we have to be ready,” Reyes said. 

“We're sure Ginebra is going to come out with a lot more urgency, and we have to be able to match that, if not out-energize them, because you know, we are not underestimating the team by any means, not by a long shot. So we're already thinking about Game 6. We just need to be ready.”