Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) proved why he’s one of the PBA’s toughest imports, powering TNT Tropang Giga to a thrilling 87-83 Game 7 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Despite playing through hamstring and groin injuries, the former NBA star delivered a heroic performance with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block in 52 grueling minutes—securing his third PBA championship with TNT.
A Warrior’s Performance
In front of a packed Araneta Coliseum crowd of 21,274, Hollis-Jefferson battled through extreme pain, aggravating his injuries in the final moments. His clutch driving layup with 21 seconds left gave TNT a crucial 79-76 lead, sealing the hard-fought win.
Playing Through Pain
Already nursing a hamstring injury from the semifinals, RHJ suffered a groin strain in Game 6 after crashing into the LED board. Post-game, he admitted, “My abdomen was locking, my groin was locking… I couldn’t really move my leg.” Yet, he refused to make excuses, saying, “I just tried my best.”
Toughest Championship Yet
Unlike his previous 2023 and 2024 Governors’ Cup titles, this win was his most challenging—marked by a first-ever Game 7 and severe injuries. While teammates celebrated, RHJ could only sit and watch, later confirming, “This was my most difficult finals.”
This victory cements Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s legacy as one of the PBA’s grittiest imports, proving that heart and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
