THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will seek to assert themselves in Game 5 of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Stopping newly hailed Best Import awardee Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could be one the key elements for the Gin Kings in their ongoing best-of-seven finals’ clash with the TNT Tropang Giga when action resumes at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re just really trying to play our game and not get too caught up with what they’re doing. But Rondae is special,” said Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone.
The series is now tied at 2-all after the Gin Kings took Game 4 with a 108-92 triumph.
In Game 4, Hollis-Jefferson, who has been averaging 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, along with league-bests 2.9 steals and 1.9 blocks, made efforts to disrupt Ginebra’s offensive flow with his all-around game.
“He (Hollis-Jefferson) creates so much on the floor, defensively and on the boards, and he also creates a lot of shots for his teammates. And the biggest key tonight, and the last two games is Stephen (Holt) and the defense that he’s been able to play,” added Cone.
The Ginebra mentor is hopeful that Holt will continue to keep Hollis-Jefferson in check, with the help of his other teammates.
The Tropang Giga also seek to make a difference in the fifth game, not just with Hollis-Jefferson stepping up, but also with his teammates like Calvin Oftana coming up with scoring opportunities as well.
Last year, the Tropang Giga won over the Gin Kings in Game 5 of 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup and went on to win the series, 4-2.
“I’m sure it’s exciting for fans, I’m sure it’s exciting for the players as well, but I think for the most part, for me, it’s just another day playing basketball,” said Hollis-Jefferson on having a great game in Game 5.
