The finalists of last season's Governors' Cup have stormed back to the grand stage, as the TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra punched their tickets to the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, each wrapping up their semifinal series in five games.
Their paths to victory, however, took different turns. TNT survived another nail-biter, edging out Rain or Shine, 97-92, while Ginebra made a statement, dismantling NorthPort in a dominant 126-99 rout.
With the finals set to tip off in a week, let's take a closer look at how both teams sealed the deal in Game 5.
RHJ wills TNT to the finals
From the opening tip of Game 5, TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had one goal in mind: to end the series - no matter what. And that's exactly what he did, delivering one of his best performances of the conference.
The two-time PBA champion put on a masterclass, finishing with 42 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in 46 minutes of action. He was highly efficient on the offensive end, shooting 57.7% from the field and earning 14 trips to the free-throw line. Hollis-Jefferson relentlessly attacked the paint, as TNT repeatedly set him up in actions designed to exploit Rain or Shine's slower bigs in pick-and-roll situations. When matched against Deon Thompson or Keith Datu, he didn't hesitate to go one-on-one, either drawing fouls, hitting midrange jumpers, or finding open teammates when the defense collapsed. His aggressive mindset made all the difference.
Hollis-Jefferson's brilliance helped mask the struggles of TNT's locals in Game 5. Calvin Oftana had an off night shooting the ball but still contributed a crucial double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Rey Nambatac also scored 12 points but shot just 35.7% from the field. As TNT heads into the finals, they'll need more production from their supporting cast. While their defense has proven capable of stifling opponents - evidenced by their handling of Rain or Shine - they'll have to execute on both ends to take home another championship, especially with the absence of Jayson Castro.
For Rain or Shine, the story remained the same. Deon Thompson was their most reliable offensive weapon, showcasing his post-up prowess en route to 34 points on an outstanding 82.4% true shooting. However, when the game slowed down, the team struggled to generate efficient offense - a recurring issue against TNT's defense that also plagued them in past conferences. Given their up-tempo style, the key question moving forward is how they can improve in half-court situations. A leap in Adrian Nocum's development could be a step in the right direction.
Now, Rain or Shine looks into the mirror, searching for ways to take the next step. But with a young core gaining valuable playoff experience, they remain in the race - continuing to develop and grow with each battle.
Ginebra's offense stamps its class once again
For a team known for its tight rotations under head coach Tim Cone, Ginebra's depth proved to be a game-changer in this series. Multiple players stepped up, particularly from the bench - a luxury when you have talents like RJ Abarrientos and Jamie Malonzo leading the second unit.
The duo combined for 40 points on an ultra-efficient 76.7% true shooting. Abarrientos not only provided scoring but also orchestrated the offense masterfully with 10 assists, while Malonzo's shooting surge continued as he drained 80% (4/5) from beyond the arc. Beyond them, Ginebra saw three more locals hit double figures - Japeth Aguilar (18), Scottie Thompson (14), and Troy Rosario (11) - further showcasing their well-balanced attack.
Despite Ginebra's dominance in this series, it still feels like Justin Brownlee hasn't fully hit his peak. Having recently played for Gilas Pilipinas, fatigue could be a factor, but everyone knows he has another gear to unlock. In Game 5, Brownlee still managed a solid 21 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists on 56.3% true shooting. But with a chance to avenge their previous finals loss to TNT, expect Ginebra to lean on him even more in the championship series.
On the other hand, NorthPort's strong campaign ends with plenty of questions heading into the next conference. The numbers don't lie - their defense simply wasn't playoff-ready, surrendering an average of 118 points per game in this series. Another key issue was the struggles of their top scorer, Arvin Tolentino, who had another tough outing in Game 5 with just nine points on a dismal 15.4% shooting. If NorthPort wants to sustain its rise as a contender, Tolentino must prove he can thrive under playoff pressure and deliver when it matters most.
For Ginebra, the road ahead leads to a familiar place. They've reloaded, they've evolved, and now, with their depth proving to be a weapon, they have their sights set on reclaiming the crown.