TNT Tropang Giga secured their second championship of the PBA’s 49th season after outlasting Barangay Ginebra, 87-83, in a gripping overtime battle to claim the Commissioner’s Cup crown.
This victory marks Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s third title with TNT in the last four conferences and his first in this tournament. Meanwhile, head coach Chot Reyes extends his championship tally to 11, including three in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Hollis-Jefferson delivered an all-around performance with 25 points and 12 rebounds in over 50 minutes on the court. Rey Nambatac stepped up in this must-win game, contributing 22 points and four assists. However, it was Glenn Khobuntin who emerged as the unexpected hero, chipping in 14 points on an efficient 50% shooting.
Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee nearly turned the tide with a game-high 28 points, including a clutch three-pointer that forced overtime. With a chance to send the game into a second extra period, Brownlee attempted a four-point play but came up short.
Nambatac’s consistent contributions throughout the finals earned him the Finals MVP honors, averaging 17.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in the intense championship series.
After also conquering the Governors’ Cup earlier this season with Hollis-Jefferson leading the charge, TNT now celebrates its 11th franchise title—matching the number of championships held by coach Chot Reyes.
This victory also extends TNT’s dominance over Ginebra in the finals, marking their third straight triumph over the Gin Kings, dating back to their 2023 Governors’ Cup championship win.
With this latest conquest, TNT now sets its sights on completing a historic Grand Slam, needing just one more championship in the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup to achieve the rare feat.#
