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

As I settled in to watch Game 4 of the Ginebra vs TNT semifinals, I couldn't help but recall that recent Chiefs game where Maverick Vinoya absolutely dominated with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five steals in their 82-60 routing of Jose Rizal University. That kind of individual brilliance is exactly what championship teams need in crucial moments, and tonight's game promised similar heroics from both squads. The atmosphere was electric from tip-off, with both teams understanding that this game could essentially decide the series direction.

From my perspective as someone who's analyzed hundreds of these matchups, the first quarter set an intriguing tone. TNT came out with defensive intensity that reminded me of how the Chiefs completely shut down Jose Rizal University in that second half where they limited them to just 24 points. Justin Brownlee started strong for Ginebra, but TNT's defensive rotations were crisp and purposeful. What impressed me most was how both teams maintained offensive efficiency despite the physicality - the score stood at 24-22 in favor of Ginebra after one quarter, with shooting percentages hovering around 48% for both teams. That's championship-level execution under pressure.

The second quarter is where the game truly shifted, and honestly, this is where Ginebra showed why they're such a dangerous playoff team. They went on a 15-4 run over about six minutes, with Scottie Thompson doing his best Maverick Vinoya impression - not in terms of scoring, but with his all-around impact. He finished the first half with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, affecting the game in every possible way. I've always believed that playoff basketball is about role players stepping up, and that's exactly what happened when Christian Standhardinger started dominating the paint. His footwork against TNT's bigs was simply beautiful to watch - textbook post moves that you don't see often in today's perimeter-oriented game.

Now, let me tell you about the third quarter - this is where TNT made their push, and I have to give credit where it's due. Mikey Williams caught fire in a way that reminded everyone why he's one of the most feared scorers in the league. He dropped 14 points in the quarter alone, including three consecutive three-pointers that brought TNT within two possessions. Watching him navigate screens and create separation was like watching an artist at work. However, what surprised me was Ginebra's composure during this onslaught - they didn't panic, didn't rush their offense, and continued to execute their sets with precision. That mental toughness is something you can't teach, and it's why I've always respected Coach Tim Cone's teams.

The final period was where championship DNA truly showed. With about seven minutes remaining and TNT down by just four, Jayson Castro attempted to take over, but Ginebra's defensive adjustments were brilliant. They started blitzing the pick-and-rolls and forcing turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. This stretch reminded me so much of how the Chiefs used defensive pressure to create offense against Jose Rizal University - those five steals by Vinoya that led to easy baskets were game-changers, and similarly, Ginebra generated four crucial turnovers in the last six minutes. The final score of 98-93 doesn't fully capture how dominant Ginebra was down the stretch - they outscored TNT 28-20 in the fourth quarter, with Brownlee finishing with 31 points and 11 rebounds.

Looking back at the entire game, what stood out to me was how both teams embodied different aspects of that Chiefs performance I mentioned earlier. Ginebra showed the defensive discipline and individual brilliance exemplified by Vinoya's 29-point outburst, while TNT demonstrated the fighting spirit that Jose Rizal University lacked in their collapse. The series now stands at 3-1 in favor of Ginebra, and from my experience covering these playoffs, closing out a resilient team like TNT will require another complete performance. What I particularly enjoyed was how the game combined old-school post play with modern perimeter shooting - it was basketball poetry that showcased the evolution of the Philippine game. This victory doesn't just give Ginebra a commanding lead, but it establishes them as legitimate championship contenders who can win in multiple ways.