MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra presented a challenge, especially with its well-established “never-say-die” mindset, according to TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He was still certain, though, that the Tropang Giga had the same kind of tenacity and fortitude required to compete at the greatest level.

Hollis-Jefferson highlighted that every player on both teams was dedicated to winning and giving their best effort, demonstrating a great sense of competition. He was confident that his teammates would fight back with the same vigor if the roles were reversed and TNT was now behind by a considerable margin. According to him, a championship-caliber team must include members who trust one another and who work tirelessly until the final buzzer.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson maintained his conviction that TNT and Ginebra had a similar mentality because both teams were equally tenacious and resilient. He saw the series as a conflict between two squads that were equally driven and trying to outlast one another. His belief that the Tropang Giga had the grit and discipline to hold their ground and compete throughout the series was further reinforced by his faith in his teammates’ capacity to withstand hardship. Success for Hollis-Jefferson would rely on their ability to remain composed, carry out their strategy, and keep up their motivation throughout each quarter.

Tim Cone, the head coach of Ginebra, acknowledged the difficulties his squad had after losing Game 1 but stayed focused on the changes required to win the game again. Even if the Kings had not anticipated the loss, Cone underlined the significance of taking lessons from their errors and proceeding with a fresh feeling of urgency. He expected his players to respond with the same tenacity that had characterized Ginebra for years, understanding that overcoming obstacles was a crucial aspect of the playoff experience. The series promised to be fierce and extremely competitive, with both teams ready for a hard-fought struggle.

The series is looking to be a fierce and hotly contested match because both teams are exhibiting a strong sense of desire and an unbreakable competitive spirit. Ginebra is anticipated to react resolutely as the Tropang Giga try to maintain their momentum, laying the groundwork for an extremely difficult battle in the upcoming games.

However, the Kings rallied and resumed their efforts, going to Brownlee for a pivotal four-point outburst to restore the lead. Ginebra then stopped TNT in its final two possessions to complete the victory, lowering the series to a best-of-five contest.

Before facing off again in Game 3 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, the two teams enjoy a two-day break.

After a sluggish game with poor first-half numbers on Sunday, it is the Tropang Giga’s chance to bounce back.

San Miguel Beer’s five points in the second quarter of Game 7 of the 2019 Philippine Cup championship versus Magnolia became the new all-time low in the finals after TNT was kept to 2-of-22 field shooting, resulting in a terrible four points in the second period.

In Game 6 of the 1999 Commissioner’s Cup final, the Tropang Giga’s first-half total of 19 also overtook Shell’s 21 in a 64-74 defeat to eventual champion SMB.

TNT struggled from beyond the arc in Game 2 following a great perimeter shooting effort in Game 1, making 14 of 37 three-point tries. Their offensive flow suffered greatly as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates were limited to just six three-pointers out of 31 tries.

TNT made a last-ditch effort in the final moments despite the shooting difficulties. With consecutive clutch three-pointers, Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, and RR Pogoy sparked the rally. After falling behind for the majority of the game, Hollis-Jefferson added two free throws to give TNT the lead.

But what made the difference was Ginebra’s poise under duress. After Justin Brownlee’s clutch shot, the Kings took the lead again thanks to two crucial free throws.

With nine seconds left, Scottie Thompson had a critical mistake in the closing seconds, which gave TNT a great chance to win the game. The Tropang Giga had an opportunity to force a 2-0 series lead with a final possession, but Ginebra’s defense held strong. By effectively thwarting TNT’s last effort, the Kings won and tied the series at one.