PBA Ginebra vs TNT Game 4 Highlights: Key Plays and Final Score Analysis

Walking into the arena last night, you could feel the electricity in the air—that familiar tension before a pivotal Game 4 between PBA giants Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga. As someone who’s followed basketball across continents, from courts in Turkey to gyms in Puerto Rico, I’ve come to appreciate how global the game has become. It’s fascinating to see players like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who’s built a career hopping from one league to another, now lighting up the PBA. That international flair, the kind you see in naturalized players suiting up for national teams like Jordan’s, adds layers to these local rivalries. And last night’s game? It didn’t disappoint.

From the opening tip-off, Ginebra came out with fire, clearly intent on bouncing back after a tough loss in Game 3. I’ve always admired how coach Tim Cone adjusts his strategies—it’s like watching a chess master at work. They started with a 12-4 run in the first six minutes, capitalizing on TNT’s sluggish defense. Scottie Thompson, in my opinion, is the heart of this Ginebra squad. His energy is infectious, and last night he dropped 18 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. Those numbers might not scream MVP, but his impact on the floor is undeniable. On the other side, TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who’s played everywhere from South Korea to the Philippines, showed why he’s such a valuable asset. He finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but what stood out to me was his ability to create shots under pressure. It’s that overseas experience—adapting to different styles, facing varied defenses—that makes players like him so dangerous in clutch moments.

The second quarter saw TNT clawing back, thanks to some sharp three-point shooting from RR Pogoy. He hit four threes in that stretch alone, and I’ll admit, I thought TNT might run away with it. But Ginebra’s defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast breaks. One key play that stuck with me was a steal by Christian Standhardinger midway through the third quarter. He snatched the ball near mid-court, drove hard to the basket, and finished with a layup while drawing a foul. That three-point play shifted the momentum back to Ginebra, and the crowd—oh, the crowd erupted. It’s moments like these that define playoff basketball, where every possession feels like it could swing the series.

As the game wore on, you could see fatigue setting in, especially for TNT. Their bench only contributed 15 points total, compared to Ginebra’s 28. I’ve always believed that depth wins championships, and last night reinforced that. Jayson Castro, despite his veteran savvy, seemed to struggle against Ginebra’s relentless backcourt pressure. He ended with 12 points but shot just 35% from the field. On the flip side, Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee was, well, Justin Brownlee—steady, efficient, and clutch when it mattered. He put up 24 points, including a dagger three-pointer with under two minutes left that essentially sealed the game. I’ve watched Brownlee for years, and his consistency is something I genuinely admire. He doesn’t force shots; he lets the game come to him, and that’s a lesson for any aspiring player.

The final score read 98-92 in favor of Ginebra, tying the series at 2-2. Looking at the stats, Ginebra shot 48% from the field and outrebounded TNT 45-38. But numbers only tell part of the story. What stood out to me was the emotional intensity—the way Ginebra’s fans rallied behind their team, the strategic adjustments, and the individual brilliance on both sides. This series has become a battle of wills, and I’m leaning toward Ginebra to take it all, mainly because of their depth and coaching. TNT has the star power, but in a seven-game series, consistency trumps flash more often than not.

Reflecting on the game, I’m reminded why I love covering basketball—it’s not just about the scores or the highlights; it’s about the stories unfolding on the court. Players like Hollis-Jefferson, with their globetrotting careers, bring a unique dimension to leagues like the PBA. And as a fan, I’m thrilled to see how this rivalry evolves. Game 5 is going to be epic, and if I had to bet, I’d say Ginebra rides this momentum to a crucial win. But then again, in playoff basketball, anything can happen—and that’s what keeps us coming back.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-14 10:00