‘Long time coming’: Ginebra ends 3-year title drought with inspired Game 7 comeback

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra has had enough of its runner-up finishes to TNT.

The Gin Kings ended a three-year title drought as they dethroned the Tropang 5G to capture the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown following a come-from-behind 88-76 victory in the winner-take-all Game 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 17.

Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson turned in prolific performances, joining hands in a third-quarter comeback as Ginebra finally got its revenge after losing to TNT in their last three finals encounters to annex its first championship since the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup and its 16th overall. 

“Long time coming. It’s been a while,” said Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone, who won a record-extending 26th PBA title. 

Brownlee produced 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists — a superb outing that made him the winningest import in PBA history with seven titles as he broke his tie with legendary Alaska reinforcement Sean Chambers.

Meanwhile, Thompson put up a near triple-double of 19 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists to go with 3 steals, rebounding from a poor effort in their Game 6 loss that saw him get limited to a series-low 3 points to earn his third PBA Finals MVP award. 

Ginebra trailed 56-63 with over four minutes left in the third quarter before Brownlee and Thompson scored 7 and 5 points, respectively, in a pivotal 12-0 run that gave their side a 68-63 advantage going into the final period. 

The Tropang 5G kept within striking distance at 74-77 off a Chris McCullough bucket, but the Gin Kings closed it out with an 11-2 run sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Nards Pinto and RJ Abarrientos. 

Abarrientos, the Best Player of the Conference, chimed in 13 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Troy Rosario added 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

McCullough paced TNT with 28 points, 22 rebounds, and 3 steals, but missed crucial shots down the stretch, shooting 9-of-23 (39%) from the field and 9-of-14 (64%) from the free throw line. – Rappler.com