This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Defending champion TNT leans on a blazing start spearheaded by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and a third-quarter takeover by Jayson Castro to draw first blood against Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals
RIZAL, Philippines – Heroes were aplenty as TNT gave Barangay Ginebra a surprise 104-88 beating to draw first blood in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, October 27.
The defending champion Tropang Giga leaned on a blazing start spearheaded by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and a third-quarter takeover by Jayson Castro to get ahead in the best-of-seven series.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, sparking a 19-4 start that paved the way for TNT to deal the Gin Kings their most lopsided loss of this playoffs.
Ginebra fought back, but Castro restored order in the third quarter, where he scattered 12 of his 14 points as the Tropang Giga cruised the rest of the way and stretched their lead to as big as 20 points.
Rey Nambatac also shone in his first appearance in the PBA finals, submitting a near triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals for a TNT side that acquired him in the offseason.
Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss that saw the Gin Kings endure a horrendous shooting performance.
The No. 1 team in three-point shooting with an average of 37%, Ginebra made just 2 of its 21 triples for a 9.5% clip as it got limited to its lowest scoring output of this playoffs.
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.
Barangay 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.
– Rappler.com
