In a commanding display of strength, TNT bounced back from a tough series slump, trouncing Barangay Ginebra 99-72 in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, November 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga reestablished their defensive identity, suffocating the Kings’ offense and pushing their lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven finals. TNT’s defense was a standout, holding Ginebra to their lowest point total in the series, particularly excelling in the second and third quarters where they restricted Ginebra to just 13 and 15 points, respectively.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was once again a dominant force, posting another double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. His all-around performance was instrumental in setting the tone for TNT, who regained their defensive edge after faltering in the previous games.
The biggest highlight of TNT’s defense was their ability to neutralize Ginebra’s import, Justin Brownlee. For the first time in his eight-year PBA career, Brownlee was held to single digits, managing only 8 points on a rough 3-of-13 shooting performance. With Brownlee ineffective, Ginebra struggled to find offensive rhythm, and TNT took full advantage.
Calvin Oftana led the charge for Ginebra with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to push his team over the line. On the other hand, Hollis-Jefferson was supported by a balanced attack from his teammates. RR Pogoy contributed 16 points, while Oftana added 15. Kelly Williams, in his first start of the series, sparked the team with 11 points, and veteran playmaker Jayson Castro orchestrated the offense, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Although TNT’s offensive flow started slow, with a narrow 26-20 lead after the first quarter, the team exploded in the second, going on a 21-5 run that turned a six-point advantage into a commanding 47-25 lead.
Ginebra made a brief push to get back into the game with five quick points early in the third, but TNT’s defense remained unyielding, ensuring they maintained control for the remainder of the contest and sealed the decisive win.
