Defending champion Barangay Ginebra takes on early pacesetter Magnolia in a blockbuster showdown on Sunday in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The marquee matchup pits the Gin Kings, led by new reinforcement Tony Bishop, against the undefeated Hotshots who are off to a sizzling start under prolific import Tyler Bey.

Ginebra is coming off an impressive 14-point rout of Converge in Bishop’s debut. The Panamaian stud tallied 34 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks to help the Kings start their title-retention bid on a high note.

But Magnolia will be a tougher test. The Hotshots are 3-0 after dismantling TNT, Phoenix and NorthPort by an average of 15 points. Bey has averaged 28.3 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block per game during their streak.

While Ginebra paraded a retooled lineup featuring Bishop, Scottie Thompson, Maverick Ahanmisi and Christian Standhardinger, Magnolia has relied on its core of Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and calvin Abueva to roll to big wins.

Both teams are expected to put on a show in this early conference blockbuster. The Gin Kings hope to continue blending their new pieces together, while the Hotshots seek a fourth straight victory.

Led by the passionate Ginebra crowd, the Kings and Hotshots aim to deliver a classic PBA showdown on Sunday night.