PBA Finals Game 1 Result: Key Takeaways and Game Highlights You Need to Know

Walking into the PBA Finals Game 1 last night, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with the collegiate preseason scene—especially that recent headline about the University of the Philippines needing just two more wins to clinch the ECJ Perpetual Trophy in the 2025 Playtime Cares Filoil Preseason Cup. It’s funny how momentum works across different levels of basketball, and last night’s finals opener was a masterclass in that very idea. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of roaring fans and tense anticipation, and as someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve got to say—this game delivered more than just highlights; it offered lessons in resilience, strategy, and what it takes to close out big moments.

From the tip-off, both teams came out swinging, but it was Barangay Ginebra that set the tone early, pulling ahead by as much as 12 points in the first half. Their ball movement was crisp, with Scottie Thompson dishing out 9 assists by halftime—a stat that, in my view, underscores his MVP-caliber impact. On the other side, TNT Tropang Giga struggled initially, shooting just 38% from the field in the first two quarters. I’ve always believed that slow starts in finals series can be costly, and TNT’s early woes reminded me of how UP, in that Filoil preseason run, had to claw back from deficits to stay in contention for the trophy. It’s not just about talent; it’s about composure under pressure, and Ginebra seemed to have that in spades early on.

But as any seasoned fan knows, no lead is safe in the PBA. By the third quarter, TNT started to find their rhythm, thanks largely to Jayson Castro’s veteran leadership and a couple of clutch three-pointers from Roger Pogoy. They cut the deficit to just 4 points with about 5 minutes left in the period, and suddenly, the game felt like a chess match. Watching this, I couldn’t help but think back to UP’s preseason campaign—where they’ve relied on a balanced attack and late-game execution to secure those crucial wins. Similarly, TNT’s comeback wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was a collective effort, with their bench contributing 28 points overall. That depth is something I’ve always valued in championship teams, and it’s why I lean toward favoring squads that can sustain energy deep into the game.

Of course, the fourth quarter is where legends are made, and last night was no exception. With under two minutes left, Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee—a player I’ve admired for his clutch基因—nailed a contested jumper to push the lead back to 6, essentially sealing the game. Final score: 98-92 in favor of Ginebra. Stat-wise, Brownlee finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while TNT’s Mikey Williams put up a valiant 28 points, though his 5 turnovers might haunt him in film sessions. As I reflect on this, it strikes me how similar this is to UP’s path in the Filoil Cup; they’re just two wins away from glory, much like Ginebra now sitting one victory closer to the title. In both cases, it’s about maintaining focus—something I’ve seen teams overlook in past seasons, leading to heartbreaking collapses.

In the end, Game 1 wasn’t just a showcase of skill; it was a narrative of persistence and tactical adjustments. Ginebra’s ability to control the paint, grabbing 48 rebounds compared to TNT’s 39, made a huge difference—and honestly, I think that’s an area TNT needs to address urgently if they want to bounce back. From my perspective, having covered numerous finals series, this opener sets up a thrilling storyline for the rest of the games, much like how UP’s preseason journey has fans on the edge of their seats. As we look ahead, the key takeaway is simple: in basketball, as in life, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. And if last night’s game is any indication, we’re in for a classic series that’ll be talked about for years to come.