Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 15, 2024 8:17 am GMT
In an electrifying opening to the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs, the Barangay Ginebra Kings and San Miguel Beermen each secured vital victories in their quests for the championship. The Kings edged out their old rival, the Meralco Bolts, with a score of 99-92, while the Beermen triumphed over the Converge FiberXers at 102-95. These wins set the stage for exciting Game 2 matches this coming Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra’s Strong Start
The Ginebra Kings showcased their mettle against the Meralco Bolts, highlighted by the remarkable performance of Justine Brownlee. The Kings pulled away in the fourth quarter after a closely contested matchup throughout the game. Brownlee finished with an impressive line: 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. His standout performance included crucial points that helped Ginebra maintain their lead late in the game.
Veteran Presence on the Court
Adding to the excitement, JDV—the veteran big man—made his comeback official. At 42 years old, Jared Devance returned to play for Ginebra after a two-year break. Although not in peak condition, he contributed 6 points in just 6 minutes of play, injecting much-needed experience into the team.
San Miguel’s Decisive Win
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen also struck first in their playoff series. EJ Anosike, in his debut, led the team with 28 points and 11 rebounds despite shooting just 29 percent from the field. His energetic playing style earned praise from his teammates, particularly from June Mar Fajardo, who highlighted Anosike’s hustle as key to their victory.
Facing Former Teammates
In an emotional twist, Alex Cabagnot faced his former team for the first time in the playoffs. Now wearing the purple jersey of Converge, Cabagnot has previously enjoyed great success with the Beermen. He managed only 3 points and 3 rebounds but expressed mixed emotions while competing against the players he once called teammates.
Game Takeaways and Looking Ahead
As both teams gear up for their next games, several takeaway points stood out from the first round:
- Brownlee outshines Durham: Justine Brownlee outperformed Allen Durham in a significant matchup, marking their first duel since the 2020 Governors’ Cup finals.
- Anosike’s potential: Despite his shooting struggles, Anosike’s potential for growth with the Beermen could be a game changer.
- Cabagnot’s challenge: Alex Cabagnot faced mixed feelings as he played against the Beermen, marking a new chapter in his career with Converge.
With both Ginebra and San Miguel now holding a lead, the stakes are high for upcoming games. Each team is eager to build momentum as they aim for the Governors’ Cup title. Fans are in for a treat as they watch these storied franchises battle it out on the court.
The start of the PBA playoffs has been full of exciting games and touching stories. As the Kings and Beermen continue their playoff journeys, the excitement keeps building. Don’t miss Game 2 this Saturday!
