By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Different year, the same story.
Back-to-back kings. Champions of the import-laced conference. Hats off, TNT Tropang Giga!
In front of a wild 14,000 fans who stormed to the SMART Araneta Coliseum, TNT put on a come-from-behind masterclass to repel the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 95-85, in Game 6 of their PBA Governor’s Cup grand finals series duel on November 8, 2024.
Down by as much as 11 points after the Gin Kings stormed back during the crucial third quarter, TNT showed poise under pressure and banked on their defensive schemes that steered them to a pivotal closing performance.
The Tropang Giga adjusted after that horrendous third frame and deployed quick help defenses that made it hard for Ginebra import Justin Brownlee to generate any easy looks.
Aside from their help defense, TNT also showed better defensive communication in the final seven minutes of the ball game, a key that probably steered them to a perfect execution down the stretch.
With a better defensive performance, the Tropang Giga didn’t allow any points from the Gin Kings and held them scoreless in the last five minutes of the most important quarter.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was once again the star of the night after leading the Tropang Giga with an all-around performance of 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists.
The back-to-back PBA Governor’s Cup Best Import poured all in his final game with TNT this conference, scoring when the team needed him the most while setting up the plays for his wide-open teammates.
However, it was the ever-reliable Jayson Castro who was awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) as his consistent outing from Game 1 propelled him to another successful finish.
The former Best Point Guard in Asia didn’t fail the whole organization in Game 6 and wrapped up the series with 13 markers, six dimes, two boards, and a steal.
“If you’re asking me what my reflections are about this victory, it’s just really the gratitude I feel for everything that’s transpired, everything that’s happened, especially gratitude to the trust and the effort of my players,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes moments after winning the title.
Rey Nambatac, the newest addition to the squad who took on the responsibility as the team’s starting floor general, finally captured his first PBA title and chipped in 12 crucial points.
Trailing by a deuce in the last five minutes, 85-83, the Tropang Giga smelled blood and went clutch in the most crucial stretch, ending the game with a demoralizing 12-0 run to grab the golden trophy.
Kelly Williams kicked off their run with a layup assisted by Jefferson, while the trio of Castro, Oftana, and RR Pogoy put on the finishing touches to help TNT secure their second consecutive import-laced conference title.
