Here is a quick recap of Sunday’s 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup games, including Ginebra mounting an incredible fightback against Magnolia.

Ginebra Channels Fightback mentality

Facing multiple double-digit deficits throughout three quarters, Barangay Ginebra clawed their way to a 103-97 victory over the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. Justin Brownlee led all scorers with 26 points, and he also added 8 rebounds, 12 assists, and 5 blocks to his tally. Jamie Malonzo hauled in a double-double performance of 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Magnolia, thanks to their excellent ball movement and a stellar shooting display from Paul Lee, dominated the game early on. Their lead went up to 15 in the third quarter, but it was then that the Gin Kings came up with a comeback attempt. Brownlee held the fort for Ginebra, draining a go-ahead basket and rejecting Magnolia import Nick Rakocevic in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

Paul Lee drilled six treys on his way to a team-high 22 markers, while Rakocevic contributed 21 points, 17 boards, and 5 steals for the Hotshots. Magnolia chalked up their first loss of the conference, while Ginebra improve to a 3-2 slate.

Lassiter, SMB shoot past NLEX

Desperate for a win after falling to their third loss in four games, the San Miguel Beermen hacked out a 124-116 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors. Marcio Lassiter had a fiery start to the afternoon and finished with 22 points built on 6-of-7 shooting from the three-point line. Devon Scott and Vic Manuel also contributed 26 and 22 points, respectively.

NLEX import Earl Clark did everything he could, stuffing the stat sheet with 40 points, 25 boards, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. But their defense gave up a lot of open opportunities to the opposing team, with the Beermen shooting a very high 57% overall clip from the field.