Ginebra Regroups After Missed Sweep Opportunity
After failing to complete a sweep in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series, Barangay Ginebra is now focused on quickly securing their spot in the finals. The Gin Kings, who suffered a 108-103 loss to NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, are determined to close out the series in Game Five, avoiding the risk of extending the battle any further.
Aiming for a 4-1 Series Clincher
Coach Tim Cone and his squad are eager to bounce back from their lone defeat and deliver a decisive performance against NorthPort. The same objective holds for the TNT Tropang Giga, who are seeking to eliminate the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the other semifinal matchup. Both teams will play their crucial Game Five encounters on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Ginebra’s game scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
NorthPort Gains Momentum After Crucial Win
Despite the challenge of winning four consecutive games against Ginebra, NorthPort remains optimistic. Forward Arvin Tolentino acknowledged the difficulty of such a feat but insisted that it remains possible if they find the right approach.
The Batang Pier coaching staff believes that their defensive adjustments played a critical role in their Game Four victory. Assistant coach Renzy Bajar credited their renewed focus on defense and aggressiveness for holding Ginebra to 103 points, a significant drop from the 120-plus points the Gin Kings averaged in the first three games.
Defense as the Key to Success
NorthPort’s defensive intensity, emphasized by head coach Bonnie Tan, was a game-changer. The team applied consistent pressure from Ginebra’s backcourt to frontcourt, limiting their offensive efficiency. Their defensive success also fueled transition scoring opportunities, with Kadeem Jack leading the charge alongside key contributors such as Tolentino, William Navarro, Joshua Munzon, and Paolo Taha, who played a crucial role in Game Four’s turnaround.
Ginebra’s Veteran Composure
While NorthPort’s Game Four victory provided a glimmer of hope, Barangay Ginebra remains unfazed. The Gin Kings have extensive playoff experience and have overcome similar situations in the past. Their resilience and ability to adjust make them a formidable opponent, ensuring they won’t be easily shaken by a single setback.
As the series continues, Ginebra remains poised to reclaim control and move forward toward another PBA Finals appearance.
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