Ginebra ousts Rain or Shine behind fiery Abarrientos show
At A Glance
- Barangay Ginebra was simply too calm and collected, fending off another Rain or Shine comeback to fashion out a 118-107 victory in Game 6 and book a return trip to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup Finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, May 31.
Barangay Ginebra was simply too calm and collected, fending off another Rain or Shine comeback to fashion out a 118-107 victory in Game 6 and book a return trip to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, May 31.
RJ Abarrientos once again dazzled with a 30-point performance for the second-straight game — including the big plays down the stretch where he found Justin Brownlee for a booming trey and then scored on an and-1 play to slam the door on the Elasto Painters comeback.
The Kings took a 113-102 lead after that spurt as they cruised to the victory that ended the series at 4-2 and clinched the franchise’s 32nd finals appearance.
The favorite to win the Best Player of the Conference added six rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Justin Brownlee was equally brilliant with 31 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
Scottie Thompson also provided support with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Ralph Cu added 11 to help Ginebra avoid a collapse after Rain or Shine came within two, 90-92, after trailing by as many as 15 at the half.
Jaylen Johnson did everything he could to pull the series to a Game 7 with his 27 points and 14 rebounds but his numbers were simply not enough.
Gian Mamuyac added 25 while Adrian Nocum added 16 as the Finals appearance remained elusive for Rain or Shine despite marching into semifinals in five of the last six conferences.