TNT Tropang 5G dominated the second half to secure a commanding 106-98 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday, June 10, leveling the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals at two games apiece.
An aggressive defensive adjustment and a balanced offensive attack proved to be the difference-makers for TNT in the crucial Game 4 encounter.
Jordan Heading provided the early fireworks for the Tropang 5G, drilling five three-pointers to establish the team’s offensive rhythm.
While Heading set the tone in the first half, import Chris McCullough took over the final two periods, dropping 19 of his team-high 24 points in the second half to repeatedly thwart Ginebra’s comeback attempts.
The momentum permanently shifted in the third quarter when TNT’s suffocating defensive pressure forced the Gin Kings into a costly scoring dry spell. By holding Ginebra to a dismal 35.7% shooting from the field during that stretch, TNT ignited a decisive 19-4 run to seize total control of the match.
Though the defending champions made several late pushes in the fourth quarter, TNT’s timely shot-making and crucial defensive stops successfully secured the victory.
Barangay Ginebra leaned heavily on Justin Brownlee, who put on a stellar individual scoring display highlighted by multiple four-point plays. However, the Gin Kings struggled to sustain their energy following the halftime break.
The loss came on the same night Ginebra celebrated major individual accolades, as star rookie RJ Abarrientos was crowned the Best Player of the Conference and Brownlee took home the Best Import of the Conference award. Those individual milestones were ultimately overshadowed by TNT’s cohesive team response.
With the best-of-seven championship series now deadlocked, both powerhouses shift their focus to a pivotal Game 5 in what has shaped up to be an intense battle for the crown.