TNT, Ginebra clash for all the marbles

Game today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. — TNT vs Ginebra

An epic final clash of titans to decide a championship series for the books is underway as Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga go for all the marbles in Game 7 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The previous six matches have little to no bearing on the two proud franchises, who knotted their best-of-seven series to three games apiece.

Only the team that wants it the most in what promises to be an explosive decider will end the night celebrating with the shiny hardware on hand under a rain of confetti.

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. with a packed crowd inside the Big Dome expected to witness another memorable finale.

The Tropang Giga marches back into battle with some momentum after eluding elimination last Wednesday in an 87-83 escape in Game 6 to spoil the Kings’ first crack at the crown.

In front of a 17,654-strong midweek crowd, three-time Best Import winner Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana and controversial center Poy Erram delivered the goods to snap Ginebra’s two-game winning streak and live to fight another day.

TNT, which broke the hearts of the Kings faithful in the season-opening Governors’ Cup finals, has positioned itself in a perfect spot to shoot for a second straight championship of the season.

Hollis-Jefferson, who put Ginebra away with a pair of charities for the final count in Game 6, remains focused on getting the job done. The Tropang Giga have beaten Ginebra and its resident import Justin Brownlee in their past two title series, starting from the 2023 edition of the Governors’ Cup.

“The job for us will always stay the same. It’s not done until we win everything. We’re blessed to be in this position and we’re grateful,” Hollis-Jefferson said following a 29-point, 13-rebound and six-assist outing in the equalizer.

Despite having its back against the wall and handicapped by missing the services of injured veteran guard Jayson Castro and dealing with Erram’s meltdown issues, TNT managed to drag the series into a winner-take-all for a shot at claiming the Manny Pangilinan-owned ballclub’s 11th championship.

TNT forced Ginebra to commit 18 turnovers and made crucial stops in the closing stretch of Game 6.

The Kings need a quick turnaround or risk being on the losing end once again of the historic rivalry.

As Ginebra head coach Tim Cone puts it, only the toughest teams survive a Game 7.

“Game 7s are never just another game. (It’s) tough to prepare for especially if you come off a loss. I think it’s a little bit harder going into Game 7 when you’re coming off a loss rather than coming off a win. It’s tougher mentally to get it right within 24 hours and be ready to play,” he said.

“That’s gonna be a challenge.”

The Kings look to end a four-conference title drought. Ginebra last reigned supreme back in the 2023 edition of the mid-season conference.