Yielding the All-Filipino crown earlier in the season, no way the Barangay Ginebra Kings would let this one slip away, too.
Justin Brownlee and his teammates extended their domination of the Meralco Bolts in their PBA Governors' Cup finals rivalry, staying on the throne with a 103-92 victory before a delirious crowd of over 20,000 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
As most of the series, the quartet of Brownlee, LA Tenorio, Christian Standhardinger and Scottie Thompson did most of the damage as the Kings snuffed the fight out of the Bolts and made it four-of-four in their titular disputes.
Brownlee shrugged off a two-point first-half showing and came through with 22 in the second half while Tenorio saved his best for last and exploded for 30 in their series clincher.
Standhardinger buckled down to work early and collected double-double numbers with 19 markers and 13 rebounds while Thompson also made an impact with 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Gin Kings defended the crown they won before the league and the whole world were hit by the pandemic.
It was their second back-to-back Governors' Cup championships in six years, allowing them to tie Alaska Milk and Magnolia as the league's second winningest ballcubs with 14 crowns each.
"Barangay, wow! I'm so honored to be part of your family. For many years, I'm not part of your family. Now, I'm part of it, and it's amazing," said coach Tim Cone, the author of Ginebra's 4-of-4 title runs in the Governors' Cup and six in all in the last six years.
Cone, a multi-titled coach with Alaska and Magnolia earlier, bagged a 24th crown overall.
"It's such a delight and joy to bring these guys to the Promised Land in front of you. You made it happen," said Cone, addressing their diehards that once again served as their virtual "Sixth Man" in their latest conquest.
With their firm desire and resolve, the Kings finished off the Bolts, ending the fourth installment of their best-of-seven showdown in six games.
The Kings rallied from 1-2 down and claimed the crown with a sweep of Games Three to Six.
"The difference between us and them is Justin Brownlee. If Justin was on the other side, who knows what would've happened," said Cone, giving Brownlee much credit.
"I hope we've brought joy pagkatapos ng pandemic. And I hope there will be more to come," Cone also said.
The Bolts fought the Kings tooth and nail through the first three quarters but melted away and thus remained in search for the elusive first PBA title. (SB) (PBA)
(Photo credits to: PBA)