TNT dethrones Ginebra, cops first Govs' Cup title in franchise history

The TNT Tropang Giga put an end to Barangay Ginebra's two-year reign, winning the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup after eking out a 97-93 victory in Game 6 of their best-of-seven finals series on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Giga have now collected their first Governors' Cup title in franchise history while ending the Gin Kings' dominance after the latter won two of the last editions.

Mikey Williams did what he does best, scoring 38 points, including 9-for-18 shooting from behind the arc alongside seven rebounds and three assists.

He carried TNT in the third period, which ended with the Tropang Giga holding on to a slim 77-73 lead as the Filipino-American guard was already at 35-point mark before the fourth.

But Ginebra showed its 'Never Say Die' spirit, rallying back from an eight-point deficit to pull to within one after back-to-back baskets from Christian Standhardinger, 84-83, before they regained the lead off a Jeremiah Gray bucket, 89-87.

Jamie Malonzo's slam put Ginebra up 93-92 before Williams buried a cold-blooded triple for a two-point lead for TNT with 1:15 left to play.

Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson then made a tough layup, but missed out on it to give Ginebra the possession with 10 ticks left.

Justin Brownlee had the chance to tie things up but he went wide on a mid-range jumper over the defense of Glenn Khobuntin as Hollis-Jefferson put the finishing kick with two free throws.

Williams' explosive game came at exactly the right time as RR Pogoy sat out the game with an injury.

Hollis-Jefferson also came up big for TNT with 27 markers, 13 boards, six dimes, and two steals to spoil Brownlee's return after his early exit from Game 5 due to an upset stomach.

Four Ginebra players reached double-digit scoring with Brownlee pacing the team with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists while Scottie Thompson and Malonzo chipped in 20 and 21 markers apiece.

This is TNT's ninth overall title and second in the last two years after also dominating the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News