TNT takes control of PBA finals with thrilling Game 3 victory over Ginebra

0Shares

TNT Tropang Giga took a crucial step toward the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title, pulling off a gritty 87-85 win over Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night, March 19, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

After their Game 2 loss, TNT responded with a composed finish, erasing an early deficit and securing the win with clutch baskets from Rey Nambatac and Glenn Khobuntin. The victory gave TNT a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Ginebra’s never-say-die spirit was on full display despite losing Justin Brownlee to a suspected dislocated thumb in the third quarter. But even without their star, the Gin Kings nearly forced overtime before TNT closed the door in the dying seconds.

Nambatac and Khobuntin deliver in the clutch

TNT’s decisive run came in the closing moments, with Nambatac converting a three-point play, followed by Khobuntin’s fastbreak layup, breaking an 82-82 tie to give TNT a crucial 87-82 advantage.

Rey Nambatac steps up in crunch time to power TNT past Ginebra in the PBA finals. [PBA Images]

Nambatac delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 24 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep, along with seven assists and five rebounds. His first-half heroics helped TNT rally from a nine-point deficit.

Meanwhile, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showcased his versatility, flirting with a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. His defensive impact and hustle plays were crucial in disrupting Ginebra’s offense in the final minutes.

Justin Brownlee exits with injury

Ginebra’s title hopes took a hit when Brownlee left the game with 6:42 left in the third quarter due to a right thumb injury. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, leaving his status for Game 4 uncertain.

Justin Brownlee suffers a thumb injury, leaving his Game 4 status uncertain. [PBA Images]

Despite the setback, Scottie Thompson (15 points) and RJ Abarrientos (13 points) led Ginebra’s comeback attempt. Thompson’s late three-pointer cut the deficit to 87-85, but TNT successfully ran down the clock to seal the win.

Game 3 final score and stats

TNT 87

Rey Nambatac – 24 pts, 7 ast, 5 reb
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – 20 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast
Calvin Oftana – 16 pts
Glenn Khobuntin – 10 pts
Roger Pogoy – 8 pts

Ginebra 85

Justin Brownlee – 19 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb
Scottie Thompson – 15 pts
Troy Rosario – 13 pts
RJ Abarrientos – 13 pts
Jamie Malonzo – 11 pts

Quarter scores: 17-17, 42-48, 72-66, 87-85

TNT will look to extend their lead when the series shifts to Antipolo for Game 4 on Friday, March 21, at the Ynares Sports Center. Meanwhile, Ginebra hopes to force a Game 5 but may have to do so possibly without Brownlee, whose injury status remains unclear.