TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during a game against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Instead of pumping his chest after pushing TNT to another whipping Ginebra, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson couldn’t help but give their rivals credit after Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
TNT drew first blood against Ginebra, 95-89, behind another offensive masterclass from Hollis-Jefferson.
SCHEDULE: 2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT
“I want to give credit to Tim and everyone in Ginebra for staying resilient, fighting back and never giving up. It takes a lot to do that,” said the TNT import at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.
“In big games, some teams give up but not those guys. You have to give them credit.”
Hollis-Jefferson showed why he was hailed as Best Import twice with a near triple-double outing to start the best-of-seven Finals series.
The naturalized Jordan swingman came away with 34 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to push TNT even closer to back-to-back titles.
READ: PBA Finals: RHJ powers TNT past Ginebra for 1-0 lead
Hollis-Jefferson, though, said that had TNT been in Ginebra’s shoes being down big early he’s confident the Tropang Giga would mount a fight of their own.
Fortunately for Tropang Giga, RHJ set the tone early with the locals also providing the good to spark an early run.
“I think we’re thinking the same way [with Ginebra]. We want to win every game and compete at the highest level so I don’t want to be in that position but given the circumstances, you never know.”
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“I’m pretty sure our guys would fight back as well.”
RHJ and the Tropang Giga will test Ginebra’s mettle again on Sunday when Game 2 rolls on at the same venue in Pasay City.