TNT vs Ginebra Game 4 PBA Finals: Key Plays and Final Score Analysis

I still remember the moment I first heard about Stanley Pringle potentially joining Ginebra—it was during that crucial offseason when his agent reached out about a possible deal. Little did we know then how transformative that move would become, especially watching tonight's Game 4 unfold with Pringle at the heart of Ginebra's comeback narrative. The atmosphere was electric at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with 12,847 fans creating that distinctive PBA finals energy that somehow always feels both chaotic and sacred. What struck me most was how this game perfectly encapsulated why we love basketball—the momentum swings, the individual brilliance, and those clutch moments that become instant legends.

The first half belonged to TNT, there's no denying that. They came out with defensive intensity that I haven't seen from them this series, holding Ginebra to just 38 points by halftime. Roger Pogoy was absolutely sensational, dropping 24 points in those first two quarters with a shooting display that had even Ginebra fans shaking their heads in reluctant admiration. Mikey Williams, while quieter, orchestrated their offense with precision, dishing out 7 assists before the break. Watching from my courtside seat, I genuinely thought TNT might run away with it—their ball movement was crisp, their energy palpable, and they seemed to have answers for everything Ginebra threw at them.

But championship teams don't roll over, and Ginebra proved why they're the crowd darlings. The turning point came early in the third quarter when coach Tim Cone made that crucial adjustment, putting Pringle on Pogoy defensively. This is where that agent phone call years ago paid dividends—Pringle's versatility as both scorer and defender became the game's pivot point. He limited Pogoy to just 8 points in the second half while simultaneously igniting Ginebra's offense with his relentless drives to the basket. I've followed Pringle's career since his GlobalPort days, and what he displayed tonight was veteran brilliance—knowing when to attack, when to facilitate, and most importantly, when to elevate his defensive intensity.

The fourth quarter was pure PBA theater—the kind of basketball that reminds you why this league captures the Filipino spirit so perfectly. With 3:42 remaining and TNT clinging to an 86-83 lead, Japeth Aguiner made that spectacular block on Kelly Williams that brought the entire arena to its feet. The momentum shifted irrevocably in that moment. Scottie Thompson, who'd been relatively quiet offensively, grabbed the loose ball and found Justin Brownlee for the transition three that tied the game. From there, it became the Brownlee show we've come to expect in crunch time—he scored 9 of his 28 points in the final three minutes, including that step-back jumper over Williams with 18 seconds left that essentially sealed the victory.

Final score: Ginebra 98, TNT 94. The series now tied at 2-2, setting up what promises to be an epic Game 5. Looking at the stats sheet, Brownlee finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, Pringle with 22 points and 5 assists, while Thompson contributed his typical all-around game with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. For TNT, Pogoy's 32 points were magnificent but ultimately insufficient, with Williams adding 18 points and 10 assists. What impressed me most was how Ginebra won this game—they adapted, they persevered, and they demonstrated the championship DNA that makes them so dangerous in these situations. As someone who's covered this league for over a decade, I can confidently say this series has all the makings of a classic, and that phone call from Pringle's agent years ago might just be the reason Ginebra hoists another trophy when this is all said and done.