MANILA, Philippines – Tim Cone knows Barangay Ginebra is not out of the woods yet.
The Gin Kings are still in dangerous territory even after their breakthrough win in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals as they now try to pull level with TNT in Game 4 at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, November 3.
After dropping the first two games, Ginebra cut its deficit in the best-of-seven affair to 1-2 following a hard-fought 85-73 victory in Game 3.
But Game 4 still presents the defending champion Tropang Giga a golden opportunity to move on the cusp of a successful title defense.
“This one won’t mean much if we don’t get the one on Sunday,” said Cone after Game 3. “Hopefully, we can find a way to get that energy to play on Sunday.”
Containing TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be key for the Gin Kings.
Hollis-Jefferson, the reigning Best Import, still finished with all-around numbers of 24 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals in Game 3, but he got limited to just 2 points in the final seven minutes as Ginebra pulled away.
The Gin Kings hope to get another steady two-way performance from import Justin Brownlee, who took on the tall task of defending Hollis-Jefferson down the stretch.
Although Brownlee turned in his lowest scoring output of this finals with 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting, he still made his presence felt with his work on the defensive end, hauling down 13 rebounds and recording 4 blocks.
Usual suspects Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Stephen Holt are also expected to deliver for Ginebra.
Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com