Paano Tinalo ng Ginebra ang Meralco sa Game 1 ng Playoffs

How Ginebra Outclassed Meralco in Game 1 of the Playoffs

The crowd was electric, the stakes were sky-high, and the tension could be cut with a knife. This was the kind of playoff basketball fans lived for, and Barangay Ginebra knew exactly how to seize the moment. In a thrilling Game 1 showdown against the Meralco Bolts, the Gin Kings put on a masterclass in poise, execution, and sheer determination, sending a loud and clear message: the road to the championship runs through them.

A Statement Start

From the opening tip, Ginebra wasted no time asserting their dominance. Justin Brownlee, the ever-reliable hero of the Barangay, wasted no time warming up. He came out firing, draining early buckets and setting the tone for what would be another playoff masterpiece. But he wasn’t alone. Scottie Thompson, Ginebra’s Swiss Army knife, played like a man possessed—grabbing rebounds, orchestrating the offense, and making crucial defensive stops.

Meanwhile, Christian Standhardinger continued to prove why he is one of the most dependable big men in the league. His presence in the paint frustrated Meralco’s frontline, while his passing vision kept the offense fluid. Ginebra’s crisp ball movement, combined with their signature patience, carved open the Bolts’ defense like a skilled surgeon.

Meralco’s Second-Quarter Surge

Meralco, however, was never going to go down without a fight. Midway through the second quarter, Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi spearheaded a spirited rally, cutting what was once a double-digit Ginebra lead down to just a single possession. With Aaron Black pushing the tempo and Raymond Almazan providing interior toughness, the Bolts showed why they were a worthy adversary.

But here’s the thing about Ginebra: they never panic.

The Championship DNA Kicks In

Coach Tim Cone, a master of adjustments, made sure his team stuck to their game plan. He slowed down Meralco’s momentum with well-timed timeouts, and out of those breaks, Ginebra executed with laser-like precision. LA Tenorio, despite dealing with injuries in recent months, reminded everyone why he’s called the “Iron Man.” His timely threes and veteran leadership steadied the ship.

By the fourth quarter, Brownlee had taken over completely, hitting clutch shots and demoralizing the Meralco defense. Thompson continued his two-way brilliance, while Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar locked down the paint. The Gin Kings delivered the final blow with a vintage Ginebra run—fast breaks, dagger three-pointers, and that undeniable playoff grit.

One Down, More to Go

As the final buzzer sounded, Ginebra walked off the court with a convincing Game 1 victory. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Meralco won’t go away easily. Still, one thing was clear: when playoff basketball arrives, Ginebra shifts into another gear. And if the Bolts don’t find a way to match that intensity, this series might not last as long as they’d hoped.