As Rondae Hollis-Jefferson steps into new ground in his PBA journey for the first time, he believes that no special measures are required for TNT to secure its third title since he joined two years back.
I’ve never experienced playing in a Game 7,” the former NBA player stated. “However, ultimately, it’s still basketball. For both teams, it’s either win or go home, and they must give their all or not participate at all.
The deciding game for the Commissioner’s Cup Finals begins at 7:30 p.m. at what is anticipated to be a packed Smart Araneta Coliseum, drawing crowds eager to witness an exciting conclusion to a series that could potentially go down as one of the most memorable championship battles in league history.
Barangay Ginebra’s coach Tim Cone has experienced numerous wins and losses throughout his career, with moments being referred to as the “best two words in sports.” However, for this accomplished coach aiming to secure his 26th championship, each Game 7 remains equally significant.
Cone stated, “They will never be just another game. They are particularly challenging.”
The victor will have the privilege of hoisting the midseason conference trophy and will also gain boasting rights in a rivalry that intensifies following three finals encounters since Hollis-Jefferson competed against the Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra squad during the 2023 Governors’ Cup.
The TNT squad clinched victory in six games during that series, and they repeated this feat in the opening game of the Governors’ Cup against Ginebra yet again. The Tropang Giga secured their position thanks largely to Hollis-Jefferson’s versatile performance, along with Rey Nambatac’s steady contribution and Poy Erram’s remarkable poise, which thwarted the Gin Kings’ initial attempt to seal the deal, resulting in an 87-83 win just two evenings prior.
The battle cry
I believe I’m prepared,” Hollis-Jefferson stated. “I feel I have the attitude of stepping in and giving it everything I’ve got, battling as usual to assist our team in winning. That’s the approach I’ll be taking, doing whatever is necessary.
These could very well be the rallying calls from the remaining members of Tropang Giga. With Nambatac gunning for a spectacular finish after an outstanding showing in the finals, they hope Erram can play a constructive role and steer clear of another incident such as those seen in games two and five where his outbursts hampered their efforts.
Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy’s performance at both ends might also play a key role following the up-and-down outcomes since the Finals started two weeks back. Additionally, for TNT as a team, improving their execution in the final quarter—like they managed in Game 6—is essential.
Cone holds a record of 6 wins against 4 losses in Game 7s during the Finals for teams including Alaska, B-Meg/San Miguel Coffee, and Ginebra. Additionally, he has a 1-1 record in decisive Game 5s of the Finals and secured victory in a crucial Game 3 of the 2003 Invitational when he was coaching Alaska.
Brownlee aims to conclude a Finals series that nearly concluded prematurely due to his dislocated right thumb suffered during Game 3. A win here would solidify his position as the most successful foreign player ever with seven victories under his belt.
He nearly managed it in Game 6, but Ginebra came up short.
Brownlee understands what it feels like to play in a decisive Game 7 after Ginebra triumphed over Meralco with an audience of 54,000 at the Philippine Arena during the 2017 Governors’ Cup. He aims to replicate this success for the Gin Kings and their legion of fans.
Scottie Thompson witnessed his streak of solid performances come to an end in Game 6 and aims to bounce back. The form of Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi, Troy Rosario, or RJ Abarrientos may also influence the result.
