PBA: Foes and teammates alike marvel at RJ Abarrientos' rising game

No one perhaps appreciates it more than those who see it every day.

But after RJ Abarrientos' clutch heroics in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup Finals, even TNT could only tip its hat to the sophomore Barangay Ginebra guard.

Facing a furious TNT rally from 18 points down, Abarrientos refused to let Ginebra's hard work go to waste. He first set up Troy Rosario for a crucial basket before burying back-to-back four-pointers that restored the Gin Kings' lead at 100-97 with 20.4 seconds left.

RR Pogoy answered with a game-tying triple, but Justin Brownlee ultimately completed what Abarrientos had started, sinking the game-winning jumper over Chris McCullough to hand Ginebra a dramatic 102-100 Game 1 victory.

This was the third straight game where Abarrientos carried Ginebra, following back-to-back 30-point explosions to close out Rain or Shine in the semifinals.

For Brownlee, Abarrientos' rise comes as no surprise, having watched the young guard steadily develop since bringing his talents to the PBA after playing in Korea and Japan.

"He made huge, huge leaps. I think he really focused on working on his body. I’ve been seeing RJ in the weight room a lot more now. I think he sees that it's important for him and, you know, he’s just working on his game," Brownlee said.

"The PBA game is different from anywhere I played. If you look at how it’s played, it’s just different so I think he has adjusted to the league as well. He’s playing really great."

A strong candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award, Abarrientos has also earned the respect of players on the opposing side.

Rey Nambatac, one of the players tasked with defending the former FEU standout, said facing Abarrientos has been both enjoyable and educational, even sharing that Abarrientos is pushing him to elevate his game as well.

"Ang saya kalaban ni RJ," Nambatac said.

"Iba na siya maglaro, skill-wise, at ikaw naman as opponent, macha-challenge ka talaga kasi talagang mapapa-aral ka talaga e. Para kaming estudyante talaga e."

Nambatac admitted that completely shutting down Abarrientos is nearly impossible, but he is determined to reduce his production in Game 2 on Friday.

"Para ma-stop mo si RJ, malabo pa sa Ilog Pasig 'yun. For me naman, ang goal ko naman is to lessen his scoring at kung anong paraan ko magagawa para maka-match up si RJ kasi kung patulog-tulog ka kay RJ, gulat ka na lang na titirahan ka na lang sa harap."

—JKC, GMA News