TNT Survives Ginebra in Game 7 Overtime Thriller, Secures Back-to-Back PBA Titles
The 2025 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals was a reminder to the entire country: the PBA is still the #1 sports league in the Philippines.
It was one of the fiercest seven-game series in history—only one game was decided by double digits, and five games were decided by six points or less. Unlike previous controversial series, this time, not a single fan accused it of being fixed. While the referees still faced criticism, there was never a moment where they were the focal point of the outcome. It was simply a battle of willpower.
A Defensive War and the Redemption of JP Erram
This series was a grueling, defensive war, where Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Justin Brownlee—two of the best imports in recent history—were never able to dominate for a game-winning performance. Both teams had to fight for every single possession, every single point.
Amid this grind, TNT saw the unexpected redemption of JP Erram. After a tumultuous Game 5 where he clashed with head coach Chot Reyes, Erram turned things around in Game 6 and 7. He played under control, delivered in the clutch, and became a vital piece of TNT’s championship push.
Khobuntin’s Heroics and Brownlee’s Clutch Shot
TNT clinched the title in a Game 7 classic at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, in front of 21,274 fans. The game went down to the wire, as Justin Brownlee buried a clutch three-pointer over Paul Varilla with 16.7 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
But TNT refused to break. Even with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hobbling, the Tropang Giga showed their composure in extra time. Glenn Khobuntin emerged as the unlikely hero, draining a crucial three-pointer with 2:22 left in overtime to give TNT an 85-79 lead—a lead they never relinquished.
TNT’s Dynasty Over Ginebra Continues
With the championship secured, TNT completed a three-peat over Barangay Ginebra in the Finals. It was their 11th PBA title and second for the 49th season, putting them just one championship away from a rare Grand Slam—a feat only four teams in history have achieved.
Ginebra, despite their undeniable talent, once again fell short against TNT, blowing a 3-2 series lead and settling for runner-up honors for the second time this season.
At the end of it all, TNT simply wanted it more. They handled the Erram situation with poise, overcame injuries, and showed unmatched resilience in the biggest moments. Ginebra had the talent, but TNT had the heart—and that made all the difference.
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