The PBA Governors’ Cup semis cast is officially complete after nearly two weeks of action. But surprisingly, the team atop Rebanse’s Weekly Ranking PBA Edition is not one of the two top seeds. Instead, getting the top spot is a familiar face that has won this conference four times in its last six editions.
Take a look:
1. TNT Tropang Giga
The Tropang Giga completed a gentleman’s sweep of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this week, pulling off a nail-biter in Game 4 and then completely dismantling Rain or Shine in Game 5, 113-95, to seal a return trip to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
The Tropa’s tonic has been that stifling defense, which held the normally high-scoring Elasto Painters to just 91.2 points per game in the semis—exactly 21 points below Rain or Shine’s average for the eliminations. That defense was particularly masterful the past week, with TNT harassing its counterpart to 39% shooting over two games as if it turned up the intensity a few notches higher.
What’s scary is that the Tropa seemingly found its rhythm on offense in Game 5, going off for 113 points behind a balanced attack that saw four players—Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, RR Pogoy, Kim Aurin, and Calvin Oftana—finish in double digits and another four chipping in 8 apiece. Even so, the head of the snake continues to be RHJ, who is arguably playing his best basketball yet for TNT.
2. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Ginebra started the week off on the wrong foot, losing big to the San Miguel Beermen in Game 4, 131-121, as June Mar Fajardo and company fired on all cylinders. Things even looked bleak for the Barangay in Game 5 after a lethargic start, but a Scottie Thompson-led fightback allowed Ginebra to seize back control of the series.
Fittingly, it was a defense that turned the tide for Ginebra, limiting that league-leading San Miguel offense (115.7 points per game in the elimination round) to just 92 in Game 5 and only 99 in Game 6. The offense ultimately took care of itself, with Ginebra’s vaunted ball and player movement leading to open looks and easy baskets, particularly in the pivotal Game 5.
Justin Brownlee continues to age like fine wine, averaging 31.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.2 blocks in the semis, while Scottie Thompson remains an all-around threat, norming 13.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 assists. Particularly encouraging, though, has been the emergence of rookie RJ Abarrientos, who followed up a career-high 28-point showing in Game 5 with a 16-point, 6-assist encore in Game 6 as Ginebra’s spark of the bench.
Are We There Yet? PBA Governors’ Cup Finals to Start Sunday
The PBA Governors’ Cup Finals will start on Sunday, October 27, at the Ynares Center. Action returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for Games 2 through 4 (and Games 5 and 6 if necessary).
