TNT will be gunning for a commanding 3-0 advantage in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup finals against Barangay Ginebra on All Saints Day at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga made it back-to-back in the finals series after their 96-84 win over the Gin Kings last Wednesday, moving them closer to successfully defending their title.
Here is a preview of Game Three, and some keys to victory for both teams in Friday’s matchup
Still finding their shooting form
Ginebra is still searching for its usual form from the outside, as its 7-of-26 shooting from threes was, most definitely, not enough to come out with the win in Game Two. The Gin Kings have now shot 18.75-percent from deep during the finals.
Odds of TNT winning the title after 2-0 lead
According to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, 35 of the 41 teams that got a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven finals went on to win the championship.
Teams that had a 2-0 advantage over the last six finals have captured the title, the most recent coming in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup when San Miguel took the crown at the expense of Magnolia.
Will we finally see a Justin Brownlee explosion?
Ginebra fans are still waiting for a Justin Brownlee explosion, and they are fervently hoping it happens in Game Three.
The three-time PBA Best Import has yet to hit a three, and has also not taken the usual volume of shots fans are used to. Brownlee is averaging 21.5 points in the finals, lower than the 31.7 he tallied in the semifinals against the Beermen.
Scottie a silver lining for Ginebra
Scottie Thompson was the best local for Ginebra in Game Two when he contributed 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, on top of nine rebounds. Thompson even made three treys, his highest in the playoffs. While the former MVP played better, he, of course, needs much more from his teammates.
Bench production
The play of the second stringers has been vital in the finals for TNT, as they have outscored their Ginebra counterparts, 58-40, in the first two games. Glenn Khobuntin led the Tropang Giga's bench mob in Game Two with 13 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field. Bench production will once again be a key to victory for both squads.
RHJ can’t be stopped
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson remains a dominant force for TNT. Playing a more active role on offense after scoring 19 in Game One, Hollis-Jefferson dropped 37 points, while shooting a PBA career-high 6-of-12 from threes.
Even more, he still found other ways to contribute for the Tropang Giga by collecting 13 rebounds and seven assists. Ginebra must now double its effort in containing RHJ - or it could be the beginning of the end of its title hopes.
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