MANILA, Philippines – After winning Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Barangay Ginebra took a significant stride toward winning the title again. In front of more than 12,000 spectators, most of whom were Ginebra supporters, Justin Brownlee and his teammates broke up the series’ back-and-forth format. They have a 3-2 series advantage over TNT Tropang Giga thanks to their unwavering commitment, which produced back-to-back wins.

With a brilliant defensive performance, the Gin Kings held TNT to just 21 points for the duration of the second half. They won 73-66 thanks in large part to their defensive perseverance, which now puts them in a strong position to finish the series. Ginebra can win the Commissioner’s Cup for the first time since their epic 2023 championship run against the Bay Area Dragons if they win one more game. The team will now have a short two-day rest before playing again at the same location on Wednesday.

In the pivotal fourth quarter, Scottie Thompson and Brownlee stepped up to the plate, totally turning the tide in Ginebra’s favor. The pair secured the victory and gave Ginebra its first series lead by outscoring the whole TNT team 14–10 in the last quarter. Their effort, which included key plays under duress, demonstrated the team’s resolve to win the championship again.

In addition, it was Ginebra’s second consecutive series victory after its victory in Game 4. It was similar to their tight triumph in Game 2 (71-70). The Gin Kings have solidified their position as the series’ dominant team with these three victories.

The task now for TNT is to reorganize and force a decisive Game 7. The Tropang Giga will have to change their approach and figure out how to get past Ginebra’s formidable defense. The stakes are extremely high as both teams get ready for the pivotal Game 6. While a TNT victory would force the series to a winner-take-all conclusion, a Ginebra victory would guarantee the championship.

With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates leading 45-35 going into halftime, TNT looked ready to take back control of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Before Ginebra made a strong comeback, the Tropang Giga held onto the game and increased their lead to 47-37.

With a crucial 10-0 run led by Maverick Ahanmisi, the Gin Kings were able to tie the game at 47-all. Both teams were battling for every possession as the game swiftly devolved into a heated contest.

There was a fierce back-and-forth interchange as the fourth quarter progressed since neither team was able to establish a clear advantage. However, TNT’s offense utterly halted in the last four minutes and twenty-five seconds. Ginebra was able to capitalize on the Tropang Giga’s inability to score at this pivotal period.

In a pivotal performance, Scottie Thompson scored back-to-back baskets to put the Gin Kings ahead. Shortly after, Justin Brownlee made his own clutch baskets to complete the victory, which ended up being 73-66.

Even though Brownlee had a right thumb injury, he played well and finished with 18 points, 16 of which came in the first half. He demonstrated his ability to have an impact on the game outside of scoring by contributing 14 rebounds, five assists, and three turnovers.

Jamie Malonzo contributed six points and ten rebounds, and Thompson scored 16 points and pulled down 10 boards for his own double-double. Additional assistance was given by Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar, who each scored 11 points to help Ginebra win.

With 19 points apiece, Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac spearheaded the attack for TNT. They were unable to overcome Ginebra’s late-game onslaught, though. The Tropang Giga must now recover in Game 6 in order to prolong the series and maintain their chances of winning the championship.

Scores at the end of the match

GINEBRA with 73 points for the win

Individual scores: Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, J.Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Rosario 6, Malonzo 6, Holt 3, Abarrientos 2, Tenorio 0.

TNT with 66 points

Individual scores: Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 19, Oftana 8, Pogoy 8, Aurin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Williams 0, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0.

Scores per quarter

17-24, 35-45, 57-56, 73-66