After losing in the Season 47 and 49 PBA Governors' Cup Finals, Ginebra is more than eager to score one against TNT in the third installment of this modern rivalry.
The biggest stage for the two best teams in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup is set.
Ginebra and TNT square off in the Finals for the second straight time this season, with the former coming in with a chip on its shoulders.
The Gin Kings bowed to the Tropang Giga in the battle for the crown in the Governors' Cup just four months ago and could not be any more motivated to turn the tables on their rival.
Ginebra was also on the losing end when they met on the same stage in the Governors' Cup in Season 47.
The crowd favorite will have its latest chance against TNT in their best-of-seven final showdown beginning Friday, March 14, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
[RELATED STORY: PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals Guide: Schedule, where to watch, stories]
How the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings got to the Finals
With the addition of free agent Troy Rosario, things looked up for the Gin Kings as they zoomed to an 8-4 record in the elimination round of the import-spiced conference graced by guest team Eastern.
They advanced to the best-of-three quarterfinals where they disposed of Meralco behind reliable import Justin Brownlee.
In the series-clinching 94-87 Game 3 win, Brownlee shone with a near triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
[RELATED STORY: Justin Brownlee hopes to flip the script on RHJ in latest Ginebra-TNT PBA Finals clash]
Things were only expected to be tougher from there for Brgy. Ginebra as it arranged a semifinal clash against top-seeded NorthPort.
But the Batang Pier failed to live up to expectations and the Gin Kings proved experience will make a world of difference deep in the playoffs.
Save for a 103-108 loss in Game 4, it was pretty much an easy job for Ginebra, who won by an average of 22.25 points.
Previous Finals matchups vs the TNT Tropang Giga
Justin Brownlee and his fellow Ginebra Gin Kings hope to be the ones celebrating this time at the end of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals. | File photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Ginebra has yet to win against the Tropang Giga in the Finals since the 2023 Governors’ Cup.
After TNT beat them in six games in the Last Dance, the Gin Kings thought they could exact revenge on the Tropang Giga in the 2024 Governors’ Cup.
The result was the same, however.
That is why the Gin Kings are eager to add a victory to their Finals tally against TNT when the two teams meet anew.
Ginebra, though, is seen as the favorite this time around with the addition of Rosario and the return of Jamie Malonzo (calf) and Jeremiah Gray (ACL) from their respective injuries.
Whether the Gin Kings can capitalize on that remains to be seen.