PBA Finals: Jamie Malonzo sets tone for Ginebra in Game 1 win

Barangay Ginebra swingman Jamie Malonzo dunks against TNT during Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Jamie Malonzo’s dunk was one of the reasons why Barangay Ginebra was able to set the tone early and eventually claim Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals over TNT on Easter Sunday.

His follow-up throwdown plus a foul on Paul Varilla almost two minutes into the Finals opener at Smart Araneta Coliseum proved to be one of many big plays the Gin Kings put up in their 102-90 win.

“I just want to be a tone-setter,” Malonzo told the Inquirer. “I want to let them know that we’ll be playing our game, for sure. Definitely a good way to set the tone.”

But Malonzo’s impact wouldn’t be felt again until the third quarter when his outside shots and energy on both ends enabled Ginebra to sustain its lead despite TNT pulling within two points.

He would finish with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting with eight rebounds and four assists as the Gin Kings gained a headstart in the championship series.

“I just wanted to be ready. Everything’s on the line in the Finals, so I just want to be ready when the ball came to me,” Malonzo said.

Malonzo was one of the players who provided ample support to Justin Brownlee, whose 17 points in the first quarter put Ginebra ahead and forced TNT to play catch up the rest of the way.

“Justin got off hot early so I sort of knew that it was coming back. For sure, I just wanted to make the shots and they presented themselves,” he added.

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