PBA: TNT leans on collective effort to dominate Ginebra in Finals opener

TNT’s Rey Nambatac. PBA Images

ANTIPOLO CITY (UPDATED) – The TNT Tropang Giga drew first blood in the 2024 PBA Govenors’ Cup Finals.

The “defensive-minded” Chot Reyes-coached squad dominated Ginebra, 104-88, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo in front of an 11,021-strong crowd.

There were a lot of heroes for TNT in the opener as five players tallied double-digit scoring, led by prolific import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists.

Rey Nambatac, who powered through nerves in his first Finals game, had a double-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, Poy Erram had 15 for the offense, third quarter hero and veteran point guard Jayson Castro had 14 points, and RR Pogoy delivered 12 points to complete the supporting cast.

But for Reyes, it was his players’ defense which won them Game 1.

“When we got off to that good start, defensively, I think that set the tone for the game. There’s no secret to our game, it’s really the defense,” said the TNT maestro during the postgame press conference.

Ginebra had a bad shooting night, converting only two three-pointers on 21 attempts and logged a 39-percent field goal clip in 48 minutes.

“They’re an outside shooting team, so they rely a lot on their three-point shooting. There are days when they’re going to be off,” said Reyes.

However, he remained cautious, stating that it won’t be always the case: “But that’s not going to be everyday. That’s why I said ‘we have to be prepared for the next game because we know hindi palaging ganiyan.'”

The Tropang Giga had a fiery start and orchestrated a 19-4 blitz from the get-go, setting the tone of the match.

The Gin Kings finally caught up within six before the second quarter buzzer sounded, 43-37, but their comeback attempts later on fell flat and never tasted the lead.

TNT let Castro take over before the third quarter ended, firing a personal 12-point run for a 72-58 lead before Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt’s baskets.

Held to only three points in the first half, Nambatac delivered the rest of his total in the last two quarters.

Justin Brownlee had a game-high 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to pace the fan-favorite Ginebra.

TNT goes for a 2-0 lead in the championship series on Wednesday, October 30, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Scores:

TNT 104 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 18, Erram 15, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Oftana 9, Aurin 8, Khobuntin 5, Williams 2, Heruela 2, Payawal 0, Galinato 0

GINEBRA 88 – Brownlee 23, J.Aguilar 14, Cu 13, Holt 12, Ahanmisi 10, Thompson 7, Abarrientos 5, Pinto 2, Tenorio 2, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0, Adamos 0

QUARTERS: 27-15, 43-37, 72-62, 104-88