As Rondae Hollis-Jefferson steps into unfamiliar ground in his PBA career for the first time, he believes that there’s no need for anything extraordinary from him to help TNT secure their third title since he joined two years back.
I have never experienced a Game 7 before,” stated the former NBA player. “However, ultimately, it boils down to basketball. For both teams, it’s make-or-break; they either come out victorious or call it quits. The key is to leave nothing on the court or not step onto it at all.
The key game for the Commissioner’s Cup Finals begins at 7:30 p.m. at what is anticipated to be a full house at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Many fans are eager to witness an exciting conclusion to a series that could potentially go down as one of the most thrilling championship matchups in league history.
Barangay Ginebra’s coach Tim Cone has experienced numerous wins and losses throughout his career, with moments being referred to as the “best two words in sports.” However, for this legendary coach aiming to secure his 26th championship title, each Game 7 remains equally challenging.
Cone stated, “They will never be just another game. They are challenging opponents.”
The victor will have the privilege of lifting the midseason conference trophy and will also gain boasting rights in a rivalry that has intensified with their three encounters in the Finals since Hollis-Jefferson went up against the Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra squad during the 2023 Governors’ Cup.
The TNT team clinched victory in six games during that series, and they repeated this feat in the opening game of the Governors’ Cup against Ginebra yet again. The Tropang Giga secured their position thanks to Hollis-Jefferson’s versatile performance, continued strong plays from Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram’s remarkable poise, which prevented the Gin Kings from seizing their initial opportunity for triumph with an 87-83 win just two evenings prior.
The battle cry
I believe I’m prepared,” Hollis-Jefferson stated. “My approach is to come in and pour everything into it, as usual, battling hard to contribute to our victory. That’s how I plan to enter: doing whatever it takes.
These could very well be the anticipated rallying calls from the remaining members of Tropang Giga. With Nambatac gunning for an outstanding finale after a stellar showing in the finals, and Erram looking to make a constructive impact while steering clear of past incidents where his outbursts marred games two and five.
How Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy fare on both offense and defense might also play a key role following the up-and-down outcomes since the Finals started two weeks back. Additionally, for TNT as a team, improving their performance in the final quarter, similar to what they achieved in Game 6, will be essential.
Cone has an overall record of 6-4 in Game 7s of the Finals when coaching Alaska, B-Meg/San Mig Coffee, and Ginebra. Additionally, he holds a 1-1 record in decisive Game 5s of the Finals and secured victory in a crucial Game 3 during the 2003 Invitational while leading Alaska.
Brownlee aims to conclude a finals series that nearly concluded prematurely due to his dislocated right thumb suffered during game three. A win here would establish him as the most successful foreign player ever with seven victories under his belt.
He nearly succeeded in Game 6, but Ginebra came up short.
Brownlee understands the sensation of being part of a Game 7 match, such as when Ginebra defeated Meralco with an audience of 54,000 at the Philippine Arena during the 2017 Governors’ Cup. He aims to recreate this experience for the Gin Kings and their dedicated fan base.
Scottie Thompson witnessed his streak of solid performances come to an end during Game 6 and aims to make amends. The form that Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi, Troy Rosario, or RJ Abarrientos exhibit might as well sway the result.