Ginebra Ends TNT Finals Hex, Clinches Commissioner's Cup in Game 7

Barangay Ginebra finally ended its long-running Finals struggles against TNT, defeating the Tropang 5G, 88-76, in Game 7 to win the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After losing the previous three championship series to TNT, the Kings refused to let history repeat itself. They seized control with a crucial 14-0 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters, opening up a 70-63 lead they would not relinquish.

Ginebra’s composure in the closing minutes proved decisive. Nards Pinto and Justin Brownlee delivered timely baskets, while the defense forced TNT into difficult shots down the stretch. Although Chris McCullough helped cut the deficit to three points, the Kings responded with clutch plays — most notably Pinto’s three-pointer and RJ Abarrientos’ deep triple — to push the lead to 83-74 with two minutes remaining.

Scottie Thompson delivered a near triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, earning Finals MVP honors. Brownlee led all scorers with 30 points and 14 rebounds, capturing his seventh PBA title and surpassing Sean Chambers as the import with the most championships in league history.

Troy Rosario added 13 points, including a powerful slam in the final minute, while Abarrientos finished with 13 points despite a tough shooting night. Japeth Aguilar contributed seven points as Ginebra secured its first title since the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup, bringing its franchise total to 16.

“It really comes down to who can defend and who can hit the big shots down the stretch,” said head coach Tim Cone, who secured a record-extending 26th championship. “We hit some really big shots to get ahead, and we just battled.”

For TNT, McCullough posted a double-double of 28 points and 22 rebounds, while Jordan Heading added 21 points. Roger Pogoy led the locals with 15 points, but the Tropang 5G could not overcome Ginebra’s strong finish and absorbed their third straight Finals defeat in the conference.