TNT-Ginebra Finals: The Biggest Test Yet

Prior to their upcoming Finals stint, TNT and Ginebra have faced each other in the Philippine Cup finals back in the 2004-2005 season where the Gin Kings beat the TNT Phone Pals in six games for the title. More than a decade later, TNT and Ginebra will face each other anew in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup finals after winning their respective semifinal series that went the distance.

And in these trying times when the league is playing in a strange set-up due to the pandemic, the way the TNT Tropang Giga and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings slugged their way into the championship round is truly a treat for the PBA fans.

The Gin Kings were coming off an unforgettable semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts and in Game Five, Scottie Thompson made it more unforgettable after drilling one of the best three-pointers of his career that gave Ginebra an 83-80 victory and a seat in the finals. Thompson finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. 

Ginebra's main man, Stanley Pringle led the way with 22 points and eights while two other Ginebra starters scored in double digits as well. 

Meanwhile, the Tropang Giga had to get themselves out of the hole they dug after falling 2-1 in the series against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters as TNT held on for a 91-81 Game Five victory. Not only did TNT limit Phoenix to only four fast-break points, but they also held the Fuel Masters to a lowly 19% shooting from the three-point line. Ray Parks moved four wins away from winning his first PBA championship as he led TNT with 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and a steal in 45 minutes. 

Both TNT and Ginebra are loaded with a sheer amount of firepower in every position and that was evident in the encounter of both teams during the elimination round inside the Clark bubble. In their November 6 win over TNT, Pringle exploded for 28 points while Japeth Aguilar added 19 points and 11 rebounds, LA Tenorio played one of his best games this year as he had 15 points and nine assists in that game. 

TNT meanwhile had four players scoring 12 points or more led by Jayson Castro's 19 points off the bench.

Heading into Sunday's Game One of the PBA Finals, things are back to zero. Both teams are coming off tiring semifinal bouts. As loaded as both teams are in terms of the massive talent that they have, both will need more than just talent to win the championship inside the bubble. At the end of the day, the team that will stay physically and mentally healthy will be the one that is going to hoist the trophy. 

For Ginebra, this series will test their capability to manage the fatigue of their key players especially the veterans.

For TNT, this series will test if they can win it all with a line-up that has Ray Parks, Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, JP Erram, and Troy Rosario.   

Photo is from ESPN