Ginebra vs TNT Game 1: Who Dominated the Court and Secured Victory?

Walking into the Game 1 clash between Ginebra and TNT, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of expectation. Both teams have had their share of momentum swings this conference, but as a longtime observer of Philippine basketball, I’ve noticed how certain patterns emerge when the stakes are high. The final buzzer confirmed it—Ginebra not only dominated the court but secured a convincing 98–85 victory, and honestly, it didn’t surprise me one bit. From the opening tip-off, Ginebra’s energy felt different. They moved the ball with purpose, crashed the boards relentlessly, and most importantly, played with a kind of defensive cohesion that TNT just couldn’t match.

I’ve always believed that games like these are won in the first half, and Ginebra proved that point emphatically. By the end of the second quarter, they had already built a 15-point lead, thanks largely to Justin Brownlee’s all-around brilliance—he finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. But it wasn’t just Brownlee. Scottie Thompson’s hustle plays and Japeth Aguilar’s rim protection gave Ginebra that extra edge. On the other side, TNT’s Mikey Williams struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 7-of-22 from the field. Sometimes, when a key scorer goes cold, the whole team’s offense stagnates. And that’s exactly what happened here.

Reflecting on TNT’s performance, I was reminded of a quote from a recent Gilas match where a coach noted, “It just seems to be that’s the way the game has been going for us lately.” That sentiment echoed throughout TNT’s play—missed rotations, rushed shots, and an inability to close out defensive possessions. They looked out of sync, almost as if they were fighting an uphill battle from the start. Roger Pogoy did his best to keep them afloat with 22 points, but without consistent support from the bench, it felt like a solo act. Ginebra, by contrast, had contributions up and down the roster. Christian Standhardinger added 16 points and 9 rebounds, and LA Tenorio’ veteran presence steadied the ship during TNT’s brief third-quarter run.

What stood out to me most, though, was Ginebra’s control of the tempo. They dictated the pace, forced TNT into 18 turnovers, and converted those into 24 fast-break points. That’s the kind of stat that wins playoff games. I’ve seen teams with more individual talent fall short because they couldn’t manage the flow of the game, but Ginebra’s coaching staff clearly had a solid game plan and the players executed it flawlessly. Even when TNT cut the lead to single digits late in the third, Ginebra responded with a 12–2 run that essentially sealed the deal. It was a masterclass in composure.

Looking ahead, TNT has plenty to adjust before Game 2. They’ll need better ball movement, more disciplined defense, and someone besides Pogoy to step up offensively. But if I’m being honest, Ginebra just looks like the more complete team right now. Their chemistry, depth, and defensive intensity give them a clear advantage in this series. As someone who’s followed both franchises for years, I’d say Ginebra’s Game 1 performance wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. And unless TNT finds a way to disrupt that rhythm, this could be a short series.