Barangay Ginebra grabs 3-2 lead over TNT in PBA Finals

Barangay Ginebra is one win away from clinching the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship after taking a pivotal 3-2 series lead with a 73-66 Game 5 victory over TNT.

Import Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 18 points and 13 rebounds, playing through a dislocated right thumb, and was lauded by coach Tim Cone for stepping up despite the injury.

Scottie Thompson also posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds and was hailed as the Best Player of the Game, with Cone emphasizing his significant impact beyond the scoresheet.

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds but failed to score in the final 11 minutes.

Ginebra executed an 8-0 run, highlighted by crucial baskets from Thompson and Brownlee, to secure the win after TNT briefly held a late lead.

The Kings can finish the series and clinch the title on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but Thompson stressed the need to focus on winning Game 6 first.