MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra played TNT shorthanded in last conference’s Finals series for the Season 49 Governors’ Cup.

Things are going to be different for the Commissioner’s Cup Finals with the Gin Kings adding some firepower.

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Ginebra zoomed past Northport in the import-laden conference’s semis on Friday at Araneta Coliseum, 126-99, to set up another date with the Tropang Giga in the PBA Finals with ample help from Jamie Malonzo.

Malonzo, who didn’t see action for Ginebra in its series with TNT four months ago, has seemingly regained his physique and more in his return for the Gin Kings.

“I had to sit there and watch a lot of the guys last conference and I just thought a lot about where I could impact the games,” said Malonzo in an interview with Inquirer Sports.

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“Now that we’re all ready to come as one, putting the pieces together in the Finals will be the most important.”

Malonzo returned from a devastating calf injury that left him sidelined for over a year and a half. He didn’t just miss action for the Gin Kings in the PBA, he also missed action at the international level with Gilas Pilipinas.

The dynamic forward, though, has shown the work he put in with the way he could still hang with the big boys even after a tough leg injury.

On Friday’s win, Malonzo finished with 20 points and six rebounds built on four buckets from the three-point area.

Malonzo slowly eased his way back into the Ginebra lineup’s spotlight this conference with averages of 11.33 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.42 assists per game.

Now, the La Salle product hopes to do much of his averages and more against TNT, which Ginebra succumbed to in 2023.

“That one [Governors’ Cup 2023] stuck with me a little bit so hopefully we could make some changes in the next one.”

“That was the last time I was in the Finals, that was the last time I got to compete for a championship so since then, I’ve been itching to get back.”

Malonzo and the Gin Kings ride Game 1 of the Finals on Friday against TNT at Mall of Asia Arena.