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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Game of tactics: TNT, Ginebra expect big adjustments in crucial Game 3

Game of tactics: TNT, Ginebra expect big adjustments in crucial Game 3

Published Mar 18, 2025 08:06 am

At A Glance

  • After taking each other's initial punches through the first two games, it is safe to say that both TNT and Barangay Ginebra have taken stock of their rivals – the strengths, the weakness and point of attacks.

After taking each other’s initial punches through the first two games, it is safe to say that both TNT and Barangay Ginebra have taken stock of their rivals – the strengths, the weakness and point of attacks.

PBA Images22 (2).jpg
TNT’s Calvin Oftana, left, and Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar battle for the rebound during Game 2 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup finals series. (PBA Images)


 

And their Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals duel at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City should serve as a gauge at how well the teams have accustomed themselves to the level of competition.

“It's going to be the tone setter, obviously,” said Kings head coach Tim Cone ahead of the contest that tips-off at 7:30 p.m.

After taking the first hit when TNT came away with a 95-89 win in Game 1, Ginebra struck back with a grindout 71-70 victory to level the series at 1-1.

And the King did it behind their suffocating defense which at one point, limited the Tropang Giga to a measly five points in the second frame – the lowest for a quarter by any team in PBA finals history.

TNT, somehow, managed to get its offense going and even enjoyed a 70-67 lead in the waning minutes but Justin Brownlee weaved his magic anew along with two big stops on the defensive end to preserve the win for Ginebra.

“They're not going to be happy about this loss. We're happy we won, but we're certainly not satisfied,” stressed Cone.

“As well as we played defensively, we still don't feel we played that well of a game, especially on the offensive side. We feel there's a lot of improvement going on. They're going to improve. We're going to improve,” he added.

The offense is certainly an area for improvement for Ginebra especially after Brownlee single-handedly scored half of the team’s total output when he finished with 35 points.

But the same could also be expected from the Tropang Giga especially after RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana struggled, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson failed to execute in the end game.

“We'll see what happens in Game 3. If we can continue. R.H.J. is going to have an adjustment to it. Chot (Reyes) is one of the most brilliant adjustment coaches I've ever been around. There's going to be an adjustment there,” said Cone.

The veteran coach is hoping that fans would flock to the arena especially with how Game 3 and the rest of the series are priming up to be.

“I think it's going to be a hell of a game in Game 3 and the rest of the series. I hope they're (the fans) hanging from the rafters. I really do. I hope they can find a seat or a standing room only. I'm excited that people are excited to watch this series. This is what we play for,” added the 25-time champion coach.

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