Ginebra vs TNT Game 4: Key Plays and Final Score Breakdown

Watching Ginebra and TNT battle it out in Game 4 felt like witnessing two heavyweight fighters refusing to back down. As someone who’s covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of high-stakes games, but this one had a unique intensity from the opening tip. The energy in the arena was electric, and I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to another dominant performance I recently analyzed—the Chiefs’ 82-60 rout of Jose Rizal University, where Maverick Vinoya exploded for 29 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. That game was a masterclass in individual brilliance, and in many ways, tonight’s clash echoed that theme, though with far higher stakes and a more dramatic finish.

From the very first quarter, it was clear that Ginebra came in with a chip on their shoulder. Their ball movement was crisp, and they capitalized on TNT’s early turnovers, building a quick 12-point lead by the end of the period. I’ve always admired how Ginebra’s coach adjusts his strategies mid-game, and tonight was no exception. They exploited mismatches in the paint, much like how Vinoya dominated inside for the Chiefs, using his 29-point outburst to dismantle the opposition. Here, though, it was a collective effort—Ginebra’s big men combined for 18 rebounds in the first half alone, setting the tone physically. TNT, on the other hand, seemed sluggish initially, missing easy layups and struggling from beyond the arc. As a fan of fast-paced basketball, I found it frustrating to watch; they’re usually so explosive, but tonight, their shots just weren’t falling.

The second half is where things really heated up, and I’ll admit, I was on the edge of my seat. TNT finally found their rhythm, clawing back from a 15-point deficit with a series of three-pointers that had the crowd roaring. Their star guard, whom I’ve always considered one of the most clutch players in the league, dropped 14 points in the third quarter alone, reminding me of Vinoya’s steal-and-score sequences in the Chiefs’ game. But Ginebra didn’t fold—they responded with a timeout adjustment that shifted the momentum back their way. I loved how they tightened their defense, forcing four turnovers in under five minutes. It’s moments like these that separate contenders from pretenders, and Ginebra showed why they’re a championship-caliber team. The back-and-forth was exhilarating, with the lead changing hands six times in the fourth quarter, making it one of the most entertaining finishes I’ve seen this season.

When the final buzzer sounded, Ginebra emerged victorious with a score of 98-94, sealing the series 3-1. Looking back, their ability to execute under pressure was the difference-maker, much like how the Chiefs’ 82-60 win was defined by Vinoya’s all-around dominance—29 points, eight boards, five steals—a stat line that screams impact. In my view, Ginebra’s depth and coaching adjustments were superior tonight, and while TNT fought valiantly, they lacked that one explosive performer to carry them over the finish line. As a longtime observer, I believe this game will be remembered for its strategic nuances and heart-stopping moments. If you’re a basketball fan, this series has been a treat, and I’m already looking forward to how both teams evolve in the playoffs. Games like this remind me why I love this sport—the unpredictability, the passion, and the sheer will to win.