Ginebra keeps PBA playoff hopes alive after trouncing Phoenix

The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings revived their PBA Governors’ Cup playoff hopes after dominating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-89, on Oct. 18, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

After absorbing a lopsided loss at the hands of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados, the Gin Kings vented their ire on the Fuel Masters, putting on a clinical wire-to-wire performance to improve their record in the import-laden conference to 4-5.

Ginebra banked on its first-half dominance as the 1-2 punch of Scottie Thompson and import Jordan Murphy proved too much for Phoenix, joining forces to help the Gin Kings take a commanding 65-45 advantage heading into the third quarter.

Murphy set the tone with his offensive rebounding and second-chance points, while Thompson orchestrated Ginebra’s triangle offense to perfection and hit timely 3-pointers.

The Gin Kings dropped the hammer midway through the third quarter after stretching their lead to a game-high 26 points behind Japeth Aguilar and Jeremiah Gray’s late 12-2 surge.

Despite Phoenix switching to a traditional 1-2-2 zone, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone countered with a fundamental high-low play as the Gin Kings fed Murphy at the top of the key, forcing the Fuel Masters’ wing defenders to collapse and help in the shaded lane.

With Cone’s adjustment, Gray, Thompson and Troy Rosario were left open several times on the perimeter for uncontested shots from downtown.

Marcellus Earlington and Ricci Rivero tried their best to spark a late Phoenix rally, but Murphy’s eight consecutive points extended the lead back to 20 points with 4:34 remaining in regulation.

Thompson led the way in Ginebra’s bounce-back victory as the former Most Valuable Player logged 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks.

Backing up Thompson was Murphy, who has remained consistent since replacing Riley Grisby, chipping in a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds.

Aguilar turned back the hands of time after delivering 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Gray and Rosario scored 12 and eight points, respectively.

The Gin Kings will look to continue their winning ways on Oct. 23 against the Blackwater Bossing, while the Fuel Masters seek to redeem themselves on the same date against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.