Watching Ginebra take control of Game 2 against TNT felt like witnessing a masterclass in momentum shifts, and honestly, it reminded me a lot of what we saw from the Hotshots last Friday under their new head coach LA Tenorio. Just like the Hotshots’ 127-119 victory over Titan Ultra, this game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a series of crucial moments, strategic adjustments, and individual brilliance that decided the outcome. I’ve been covering this league for years, and what stood out to me tonight was how Ginebra managed to weather TNT’s explosive start and slowly, methodically, dismantle their game plan. It’s one thing to talk about defense and ball movement in theory, but seeing it executed under pressure is something else entirely.
The first quarter was all TNT, and I’ll admit, I was starting to worry for Ginebra. TNT came out with incredible energy, hitting 5 three-pointers in the first 8 minutes and building a lead that stretched to 12 points at one stage. Their ball movement was crisp, and they seemed to be getting every loose ball. But here’s where Ginebra’s experience shone through—they didn’t panic. Instead of forcing bad shots, they tightened up their defensive rotations, and I noticed a key adjustment: they started switching more aggressively on screens, which disrupted TNT’s rhythm. By the end of the first half, that 12-point deficit had been trimmed to just 4, and you could feel the momentum shifting. It’s moments like these that separate good teams from great ones, and Ginebra’s composure was a testament to their championship pedigree.
One play that really stood out to me was early in the third quarter, with Ginebra down by 6. TNT had just scored on a fast break, and the crowd was getting loud. Then, Ginebra ran a beautifully executed set play—a double screen at the top of the key that freed up their shooter for a corner three. It wasn’t just the shot that impressed me; it was the timing. That basket sparked a 14-2 run over the next 4 minutes, and suddenly, Ginebra was in the driver’s seat. I’ve always believed that runs like that don’t happen by accident—they’re built on preparation and trust. Ginebra’s ball movement during that stretch was exceptional, with 7 assists on 8 made field goals, and it felt like every player on the floor knew exactly where to be. Compare that to TNT, who started forcing contested shots and turned the ball over 3 times in that same span. Those little details, in my view, are what cost them the game.
Another turning point came with about 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter. TNT had clawed back to within 3 points, and it looked like we were headed for a nail-biter. But then Ginebra’s defense stepped up again, forcing back-to-back turnovers that led to easy transition buckets. I have to give a shout-out to their big man, who finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds—his presence in the paint was huge, altering shots and controlling the boards. On the offensive end, Ginebra’s ball movement was just too much for TNT to handle; they ended the game with 28 assists compared to TNT’s 19, and that unselfishness is a big reason why they pulled away in the final minutes. Personally, I think TNT relied too heavily on isolation plays down the stretch, and it hurt them. When you’re up against a disciplined team like Ginebra, you need more ball movement, not less.
Looking back, this game had a similar vibe to the Hotshots’ recent win—both teams showed resilience and the ability to adjust on the fly. Ginebra’s victory wasn’t just about talent; it was about execution when it mattered most. They shot 48% from the field, held TNT to just 42%, and won the rebounding battle 52-45. Those numbers might not seem huge, but in a playoff atmosphere, every possession counts. From my perspective, TNT has some work to do if they want to bounce back in Game 3. They need to cut down on turnovers—they had 16 tonight, which led to 22 points for Ginebra—and find a way to sustain their energy for all four quarters. As for Ginebra, if they can maintain this level of defensive intensity and unselfish offense, they’ll be tough to beat. I’m excited to see how this series unfolds, because games like this are why I love covering basketball—the strategy, the passion, and the sheer unpredictability of it all.
