BARANGAY Ginebra and TNT battle for a 3-2 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The game comes on the heels of Justin Brownlee’s heroic performance last Friday at the Ynares Center.
Here is a preview of the crucial Game 5 and some things to watch out for.
TNT VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Sunday, March 23. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Critical Game 5
With the series even, Ginebra and TNT will look to step closer to the championship in Game 5 at the Big Dome. The Gin Kings essentially got themselves back in the series following a 95-78 win over the Tropang Giga, thanks to Brownlee.
Can Justin Brownlee repeat his ‘warrior-like’ performance?
The highlight of the Game 4 win was Brownlee playing through a dislocated right thumb and finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Tim Cone later described Brownlee as a 'warrior' following the brave effort. As legendary as his performance was in Game 4, let’s not forget that Brownlee remains injured, and a serious one at that. Let’s see if Brownlee can keep it up.
TNT missed Erram’s presence in Game 5
Aside from Brownlee’s play, one of the reasons for TNT’s defeats could be pinpointed to rebounding after a 49-35 deficit in the statistical category. Poy Erram’s interior presence was sorely missed as he was in foul trouble all match long and got his sixth at the final six-minute mark - the stretch where Ginebra pulled away.
Jamie, Japeth finally shine, look for a repeat in Game 5
One of the reasons for Ginebra’s rebounding edge was the resurgence of Japeth Aguilar, who hauled down eight in Game 4. He also had his best scoring output of the series by scoring 18 points.
Jamie Malonzo also came alive in the playoffs by scoring 24 points, his best output since he went on a tear during the semifinal series against NorthPort.
The two will be needed again in Game 5, although TNT is expected to make adjustments against them.
‘Best Import jinx’ in Game 4?
There is always a saying that there seems to be a jinx to a player who wins either the Best Player of the Conference award and the Best Import plum. It certainly was true in the case of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Hollis-Jefferson just shot 5-of-18 from the field and wound up with a conference-low 14 points after being adjudged as the Best Import of the Conference, the third of his PBA career.
Ginebra should also be credited for their defense against RHJ. After its Game 3 win, TNT expected Ginebra to focus more on defense with Brownlee injured. Despite Brownlee’s play on offense, Ginebra also showed up on defense against Hollis-Jefferson.
RHJ could be due for an explosion in Game 5 so Ginebra must continue to play solid defense.
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