Breaking Down the Ginebra vs TNT Game 4 Score and Key Moments That Decided the Match

As I settled into my courtside seat for Game 4 of this intense PBA semifinal series, I could feel the electricity in the arena. The rivalry between Barangay Ginebra and TNT had reached its boiling point, with both teams trading blows throughout the series. What unfolded that night wasn't just another basketball game—it was a masterclass in playoff intensity that had me on the edge of my seat from tip-off to final buzzer. The final score of 95-94 doesn't even begin to tell the full story of how this game swung back and forth, with momentum changing hands like a hot potato throughout the four quarters.

Let me take you through what made this game so special. The first quarter opened with TNT coming out guns blazing, putting up 28 points while holding Ginebra to just 21. I remember thinking to myself that this might turn into a blowout if Ginebra didn't find their rhythm soon. But then something shifted in the second quarter—Scottie Thompson started making those signature hustle plays that make him so valuable, and Christian Standhardinger began dominating the paint. By halftime, Ginebra had clawed back to trail by just two points, 49-47. What impressed me most was how both teams adjusted their defensive schemes, with TNT's zone defense causing Ginebra some real headaches in the first half, only for coach Tim Cone to make those brilliant second-half adjustments he's famous for.

The third quarter was where the game truly turned into a classic. TNT's Mikey Williams caught fire, scoring 12 of his 28 points during this stretch, but every time he seemed to be pulling his team ahead, Ginebra had an answer. I've been covering PBA games for over a decade now, and what struck me about this particular matchup was how both teams refused to back down. There was one sequence where Jayson Castro drove to the basket for what looked like an easy layup, only for Japeth Aguilar to come out of nowhere for a spectacular block that brought the entire arena to its feet. Moments like these are what separate playoff basketball from the regular season—the intensity, the desperation, the sheer will to win.

As we entered the fourth quarter with the score tied at 74-all, you could feel the tension building with every possession. This is where games are won and lost, where champions separate themselves from contenders. With about three minutes left and Ginebra down by four, I noticed something interesting happening—Stanley Pringle, who finished with 18 points, started taking over the game. His back-to-back three-pointers gave Ginebra a lead they wouldn't relinquish, though TNT made them work for every single point. What many casual fans might not realize is how much these moments connect to roster decisions teams make throughout the season. It reminds me of how Rain or Shine let their No. 34 pick from the Season 50 Draft go unsigned, essentially relegating him to the free agent list. In tight games like this, having that extra depth piece could make all the difference, and I can't help but wonder if Rain or Shine might regret that decision when watching such intense playoff battles.

The final two minutes were absolute chaos in the best possible way. TNT had multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead, but Ginebra's defense tightened when it mattered most. With 15 seconds left and Ginebra clinging to a one-point lead, TNT designed a beautiful play that got Roger Pogoy open for a three-pointer, but the shot rimmed out. The rebound scramble that followed had everyone holding their breath until the final horn sounded. Looking at the stat sheet afterward, what stood out to me was the rebounding battle—Ginebra outrebounded TNT 48-42, with 15 of those being offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. In a one-point game, that's the difference right there.

Reflecting on the game as I left the arena, what struck me most was how these matchups often come down to which team makes fewer mistakes in crunch time. TNT committed 16 turnovers that led to 22 Ginebra points, while Ginebra only had 12 turnovers resulting in 15 points for TNT. That seven-point differential essentially decided the game. Both teams shot nearly identical percentages from the field—Ginebra at 44.7% and TNT at 44.2%—which shows just how evenly matched these squads are. Personally, I think Ginebra's experience in close games gave them the edge, particularly with veterans like LA Tenorio providing steady leadership down the stretch. His stats might not jump off the page with just 9 points and 5 assists, but his decision-making in the final minutes was impeccable.

This game perfectly encapsulated why I love covering the PBA—the drama, the strategy, the individual brilliance, and the collective effort all combining to create something unforgettable. While the series now stands at 2-2, setting up what promises to be an epic Game 5, I can't help but feel we witnessed something special tonight. The way both teams left everything on the court, the coaching adjustments, the clutch performances—this is what playoff basketball is all about. And as someone who's seen hundreds of games, I can confidently say this one will stick with me for a long time, serving as a reminder of why we all fell in love with this sport in the first place.