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Tag: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

  • Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved a step closer to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals after carving out a hard-fought 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Gin Kings now hold a crucial 2-1 advantage in the series heading into the pivotal fourth game.

     

    As expected, resident import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the biggest moments, finishing with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while orchestrating Ginebra’s offense with his trademark composure and efficiency. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos also continued his impressive playoff run, contributing 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds to provide additional firepower for the crowd favorites.

     

    But on a night loaded with standout performances, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who stole the spotlight.

     

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    Thompson produced another all-around masterpiece, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals while knocking down five three-pointers to help Ginebra fend off repeated comeback attempts from the Elasto Painters. Time and again, Thompson delivered timely baskets and hustle plays that energized both his teammates and the sea of Ginebra supporters inside the arena.

     

    Despite his stellar outing, Thompson remained humble after the victory and immediately shifted the credit toward the team’s system and preparation under head coach Tim Cone.

    “Yung flow ng offense namin yun, and we move well without the ball, so maraming nao-open. Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m just overwhelmed and blessed,” Thompson said after the game.

     

    The victory highlighted Ginebra’s balanced attack and championship experience, particularly in crunch time where the team executed with poise on both ends of the floor. Rain or Shine stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, but the Gin Kings leaned on their veteran core and disciplined execution to preserve the win late in the fourth quarter.

     

    Cone, who has coached Thompson since selecting him fifth overall in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, was full of admiration for the former league MVP’s relentless work ethic and consistency over the years.

     

    “There’s nobody better than a guy who comes out and does his job literally every game and every practice. He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do, and it’s just amazing to watch that day in and day out for 10 years now. He just comes to work every game and every day, and he does that day in and day out,” Cone added.

     

    For Cone, Thompson’s performance was hardly surprising. Over the years, the hardworking guard has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable stars — a player capable of impacting games far beyond the scoring column through rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and leadership.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Barangay Ginebra will look to tighten its grip on the series when the two squads meet again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure as it attempts to level the series against a Ginebra side that appears to be finding its rhythm at the perfect time.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone slams Barangay Ginebra’s lack of discipline after Game 1 collapse vs Rain or Shine 

    Tim Cone slams Barangay Ginebra’s lack of discipline after Game 1 collapse vs Rain or Shine 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel opened its PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal campaign on a sour note after surrendering a double-digit fourth-quarter lead in a stunning 115-111 defeat to Rain or Shine in Game 1 on Wednesday, May 20, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

     

    Despite appearing to be in full control midway through the final period, Ginebra faltered down the stretch as Rain or Shine unleashed a decisive late-game rally anchored on the explosive performances of import Jaylen Johnson and forward Jhonard Clarito. Johnson erupted for 40 points while Clarito added 25 markers, powering the Elasto Painters to a crucial opening-game victory in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Adrian Nocum and Mike Malonzo also delivered timely contributions for Rain or Shine, chipping in 16 and 12 points, respectively, as the squad repeatedly punished Ginebra in transition and capitalized on costly turnovers in the closing minutes.

     

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    What made the loss even more frustrating for the Gin Kings was the fact that they squandered a 10-point advantage in the fourth quarter despite another vintage performance from resident import Justin Brownlee. The longtime Ginebra reinforcement once again carried the offensive load, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but his efforts ultimately went for naught as Rain or Shine executed better in crunch time.

     

    Following the heartbreaking defeat, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone did not mince words when assessing his team’s performance, particularly their lack of composure and discipline during the pivotal final stretch.

     

    “They hit the bigger shots and we played their game tonight,” Cone said during the postgame press conference.

    The veteran tactician lamented how Ginebra allowed Rain or Shine to dictate the tempo, pointing out that the Gin Kings fell into the trap of engaging in a fast-paced contest that favored their opponents.

     

    Cone stressed that unless his team regains its focus and discipline, their hopes of advancing to the finals could quickly slip away.

     

    “If we are going to continue to be like that, we are not going to win many games in this series. We have got to be tougher, we have got to be better, we have got to be more disciplined. They hit the bigger shots and made the bigger plays down the stretch.

     

    “The bottom line is we gave up way too many games. We made them play their running game and we made too many turnovers. We have got to be better locked in next time,” he added.

     

    The loss places immediate pressure on Ginebra heading into Game 2 as they now face the challenge of avoiding a dangerous 0-2 hole in the series. Known for their resilience under Cone, the Gin Kings will need to make significant adjustments defensively and take better care of the basketball if they hope to slow down Rain or Shine’s high-octane offense.

     

    Meanwhile, the Elasto Painters gained a major confidence boost after stealing the series opener and proving they can match up against one of the league’s most decorated franchises. Their aggressive pace, balanced scoring, and ability to capitalize on transition opportunities exposed several defensive lapses on Ginebra’s end.

     

    All eyes will now turn to Game 2 on Friday, May 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Barangay Ginebra will attempt to regroup and even the series before Rain or Shine gains full momentum in the semifinals showdown.

     

     

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  • Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Barangay Ginebra may have lost Game 1 to Rain or Shine, but the bigger concern heading into Friday now revolves around Scottie Thompson’s condition.

     

    The Gin Kings star remains under close observation after suffering a scary hit to the head late in Ginebra’s 115-111 defeat to the Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Thompson was later seen leaving the venue with an ice pack wrapped around his head, immediately raising concerns about his availability moving forward in the series.

     

    As of now, no official update has been released regarding the severity of the injury, with the seven-time champion expected to be monitored closely ahead of the crucial Game 2 showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    The frightening moment happened with 31.6 seconds left after Thompson absorbed an accidental hit from Jhonard Clarito’s heel while diving for a loose ball.

     

    Despite the painful collision, Thompson stayed in the game and even nearly sparked a dramatic Ginebra comeback.

     

    Moments after the incident, the former league MVP buried a booming four-pointer under heavy pressure to trim Rain or Shine’s lead to just two, sending the crowd into a frenzy and briefly reviving hopes of another trademark Ginebra escape.

     

    But the Elasto Painters held firm.

     

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    Clarito answered with two pressure free throws before Rain or Shine’s defense shut down Ginebra’s final possession to secure the series-opening win.

     

    While the result already placed the Gin Kings in an early hole, Thompson’s uncertain status could become an even bigger storyline entering Game 2.

     

    Beyond his production, the 32-year-old remains one of the emotional anchors of the franchise, especially in physical playoff battles like this one.

     

    He still finished with 17 points and seven rebounds despite the injury, helping Ginebra build an early fourth-quarter lead before Rain or Shine mounted its comeback.

     

    The incident also reignited conversations among fans regarding player safety and whether stricter concussion measures should be implemented during high-intensity postseason games.

     

    For now, though, Ginebra’s immediate focus centers on Thompson’s recovery.

     

    With Rain or Shine already holding momentum and a 1-0 series lead, the Gin Kings can hardly afford to lose one of their toughest and most experienced playoff performers heading into Game 2.

     

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  • Rain or Shine turns chaos into confidence, steals Game 1 from Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine turns chaos into confidence, steals Game 1 from Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine did not beat Barangay Ginebra by trying to outshine the league’s brightest stars.

     

    Instead, the Elasto Painters beat them by surviving every punch, embracing every messy moment, and refusing to blink when the game started tilting toward chaos.

     

    That was exactly the kind of battle coach Yeng Guiao wanted.

     

    Against a Ginebra squad loaded with firepower, backed by a roaring crowd, and anchored by Justin Brownlee and several Gilas Pilipinas standouts, Rain or Shine found a way to turn a tense fourth quarter into a statement-opening win in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

     

    The Elasto Painters escaped with a gritty 115-111 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, stealing Game 1 of the best-of-seven series and immediately shifting pressure to the heavily favored Gin Kings.

     

    For Guiao, the result perfectly reflected the identity his team has embraced all conference long.

     

    “I’m really proud of the guys because what we do is show up and compete. Show up and compete,” he said after the game.

     

    Rain or Shine spent most of the night clawing its way through momentum swings against a Ginebra side that looked poised to pull away after building a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

     

    But unlike many teams that have folded against the Kings in big playoff moments, the Elasto Painters stayed composed and slowly dragged the game back into their preferred kind of fight — frantic, physical, unpredictable.

     

    Adrian Nocum delivered the biggest swing of the night after drawing a foul on Brownlee and calmly knocking down two free throws for a 108-107 lead with 1:56 remaining.

     

    From there, Rain or Shine leaned on hustle plays and defensive grit.

     

    Jhonard Clarito and Gian Mamuyac delivered timely baskets to stretch the advantage before Clarito iced the game with two more free throws in the final 16.1 seconds.

     

    Still, Ginebra nearly escaped.

     

    Scottie Thompson, despite playing through a visibly swollen forehead, buried a booming four-pointer to cut the deficit to two and ignite the crowd one final time.

     

    But Rain or Shine answered with one last defensive stand, forcing RJ Abarrientos into a difficult final possession that never materialized into a clean look from deep.

     

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    For a team that entered the series carrying the underdog label, the Elasto Painters looked completely comfortable in the pressure.

     

    “To play a team like Ginebra, [with a] GOAT import, GOAT coach, half of the Gilas team, the probable Best Player of the Conference in their team,” Guiao said, referring to Brownlee, coach Tim Cone and RJ Abarrientos.

     

    “And who are we? We just told the team to just put up a fight and see how far we can go. At least, we were able to get Game 1. We got lucky once, let’s see how many times we can get lucky. Let’s see.”

     

    But this no longer feels like simple luck.

     

    Rain or Shine has now beaten San Miguel Beer and drawn first blood against Ginebra in consecutive playoff rounds — two franchises that have long represented the league’s measuring stick in big games.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson once again provided stability, while Clarito’s energy and Mamuyac’s timely contributions highlighted the depth that continues to fuel the Elasto Painters’ playoff run.

     

    More importantly, Rain or Shine once again showed it can stay mentally steady against teams loaded with stars.

     

    Game 2 now shifts to the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, where the Elasto Painters expect an even tougher response from Ginebra.

     

    But after surviving one of the league’s biggest playoff stages, Rain or Shine suddenly looks far more dangerous than just another underdog story.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    As Barangay Ginebra shifts its focus toward the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the storyline surrounding the Gin Kings is the condition of Justin Brownlee.


    The resident import suffered a hamstring injury during Ginebra’s quarterfinal victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Friday, creating immediate concern ahead of a crucial semifinal showdown against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the scare, Brownlee remains optimistic that he will be available when the series opens Wednesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    The injury happened in the third quarter after Brownlee attacked the basket and appeared to tweak his right leg on the play. 

     

    He was later forced to exit the game, but not before helping steer Ginebra toward another postseason breakthrough.

     

    “I just got a little tweak on that play driving to the rim. Hopefully, it ain’t too bad but just felt a little something. Good thing we were up big. Got to give a lot of credit to the team,” Brownlee said.

     

    Even with limited minutes after the injury, Brownlee still posted 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists — numbers that once again highlighted how central he remains to Ginebra’s offense and composure in pressure situations.

     

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    Head coach Tim Cone said the team continues to closely monitor Brownlee’s recovery, though early signs have reportedly been encouraging. 

     

    Ginebra understands that its championship hopes largely depend on the health of the league’s longtime import, especially against a Rain or Shine squad entering the semifinals with confidence.


    Brownlee himself acknowledged the challenge waiting ahead.

     

    “We’ve seen what Rain or Shine did to them. It’s a very tough game,” he said.

     

    The 6-foot-7 import believes the Elasto Painters’ pace and energy create a completely different kind of playoff test.

     

    “Their style of play is very difficult to handle. So it’s gonna be difficult for us, but we’re up for the challenge,” the 38-years-old import said. 

     

    Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine during the eliminations, but Brownlee expects that result to fuel the Elasto Painters even more in the semifinals.

     

    “We know we beat them in the eliminations, so we know they want to get some get-back for that. But we’re ready for the challenge and we just expect a hard, tough series,” he said.

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    For years, playoff meetings between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have rarely been simple basketball series.

     

    They usually turn into wars of endurance.

     

    Loose balls become scrums. Possessions become physical battles. Momentum swings often feel emotional rather than tactical.

     

    Now, after several years apart in the postseason, the rivalry finally returns to center stage.

     

    Ginebra and Rain or Shine are set to clash in a highly anticipated best-of-seven semifinal showdown in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, beginning Wednesday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    It marks their first playoff meeting since the 2020 Philippine Cup and their first semifinal collision since 2018 — a reminder of just how long both franchises have traveled separate paths before arriving back at the same crossroads.

     

    For Ginebra, this latest semifinal appearance feels almost routine at this point.

     

    The Gin Kings are now heading into their eighth straight Final Four appearance, further cementing the consistency of the Tim Cone era.

     

    But this particular journey hardly looked smooth early on.

     

    Ginebra stumbled to a 2-2 start that briefly raised questions about chemistry and rhythm before the team gradually transformed into one of the league’s hottest squads.

     

    By the end of eliminations, the Gin Kings had won seven of their last eight games to secure a 9-3 record and the No. 2 seed.

     

    That momentum carried straight into the quarterfinals.

     

    Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, Ginebra dismantled the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 112-81, in a game that barely stayed competitive beyond halftime.

     

    Justin Brownlee once again orchestrated the attack with 24 points before exiting in the third quarter because of a hamstring issue — a development that now hovers over the series as perhaps its biggest uncertainty.

     

    While Ginebra arrives carrying playoff pedigree, Rain or Shine enters with something slightly different: unfinished business.

     

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    The Elasto Painters spent most of the conference looking like the league’s most dangerous surprise.

     

    Behind their relentless pace and deep rotation, Rain or Shine opened the tournament with a franchise-best 7-0 start and briefly looked untouchable atop the standings.

     

    Though the team cooled off late and dropped three of its final five elimination games, the bigger statement came when the playoffs finally arrived.

     

    Matched against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine faced a familiar postseason nightmare.

     

    Instead of folding, however, the Elasto Painters delivered one of the franchise’s biggest playoff wins in years.

     

    Andrei Caracut exploded for a conference-high 29 points, while imports Jaylen Johnson and Caelan Tiongson added 23 each to eliminate San Miguel and finally end years of playoff frustration against the Beermen.

     

    The breakthrough carried historical weight.

     

    It marked Rain or Shine’s first postseason series victory over San Miguel since the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup — the same conference where the Elasto Painters eventually captured the championship.

     

    Now, another opportunity sits in front of them.

     

    Rain or Shine is back in the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences and is chasing its first Finals appearance since that memorable 2016 title run.

     

    On paper, the matchup feels balanced.

     

    Ginebra owns the experience, championship pedigree, and perhaps the biggest playoff star in Brownlee.

     

    Rain or Shine counters with youth, speed, depth, and the hunger of a team trying to complete its long climb back into championship contention.

     

    But history suggests this series may ultimately come down to something else entirely. When Ginebra and Rain or Shine meet in the playoffs, talent usually matters.

     

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  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round campaign in impressive fashion, overcoming the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed the Gin Kings to secure third place in the standings with a solid 9-3 win-loss record, further strengthening their position as one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs. More importantly for Ginebra, the game also marked the much-anticipated return of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, who had missed the team’s previous three games due to a lung-related condition suffered after a frightening fall during their April 24 matchup against the Blackwater Bossing.

     

    Aguilar’s return provided an emotional lift for the Gin Kings, who welcomed back one of the league’s most experienced frontcourt anchors just in time for the postseason push. Despite limited minutes, the 39-year-old veteran was immediately handed one of the toughest assignments possible — defending TNT import and former NBA player Bol Bol.

     

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    Bol continued to showcase the unique skill set that has made him one of the most intriguing imports in the conference, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in another dominant offensive outing. Standing at 7-foot-2 with guard-like skills, Bol presented a difficult challenge for Ginebra’s defense throughout the contest.

     

    Speaking after the game, Aguilar admitted that facing a player with Bol’s rare combination of size and perimeter ability was unlike anything he had experienced before.

     

    “Tagal ko na sa maglalaro ng basketball. Na akala ko, you know, you have seen it all then. Biglang mag Bol Bol na ganoon. Tapos ganun yung skill, guard. Tinry ko makuha yung rhythm ko,” Aguilar said in a media interaction.

    Although visibly still working his way back into game condition, Aguilar managed to contribute six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action. More importantly, his presence provided additional rim protection, veteran leadership, and frontcourt depth as Ginebra prepares for the more physical playoff stage.

     

    Aguilar also opened up about the unusual medical condition that forced him to temporarily step away from basketball. The veteran center explained that the symptoms did not immediately manifest following the hard fall against Blackwater, making the situation even more unexpected.

     

    “Medyo delay yung effect. So, medyo nakalaro pa ako. Tapos, everything ano talaga. Parang sakto talaga yung panayari. Sakto, sinub ko ni coach Tim. Yung sinub ko ni coach Tim, dun na medyo. Basta ang daming term ng mga PT. Talaga parang medyo nagkulang yung oxygen sa ano ko. Medyo, nag-faint ako konti,” he added.

     

    The incident understandably raised concerns within the Ginebra camp, especially given Aguilar’s importance to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. However, the veteran confirmed that he was fully cleared by the team’s medical staff before returning to practice and eventually making his comeback against TNT.

     

    For Aguilar, simply being able to return to the floor before the playoffs was already a major relief. After spending weeks recovering and monitoring his condition, the former Gilas Pilipinas standout expressed gratitude that the injury did not become more serious.

     

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari. Hindi naman masyado malala. Masaya ako nakaisang game ako before the playoffs. We are working hard para ready lang sa playoffs. Weird lang talaga yung nangyari. Ang dami kong bagsak sa career ko, pero first time yun,” Aguilar concluded.

     

    The victory over TNT also highlighted Ginebra’s ability to grind out wins against elite competition even while managing injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the conference. The team leaned on its trademark discipline, defensive execution, and veteran composure to close out the elimination round on a high note.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Gin Kings head into the quarterfinals carrying a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, May 15, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Ginebra hopes to continue its strong Commissioner’s Cup campaign and strengthen its bid for another PBA championship.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone believes TNT can still reach PBA Finals despite struggling elimination round finish 

    Tim Cone believes TNT can still reach PBA Finals despite struggling elimination round finish 

    The TNT Tropang 5G’s title defense hangs in the balance after they entered the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the 8th seed, an unusual position for a talent-loaded squad reinforced by Bol Bol.


    But not everyone is ready to count out TNT just yet, including head coach Tim Cone of rival Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The Tropang 5G closed out the elimination round with a 93-86 loss to Cone’s Gin Kings, finishing in eighth place with a 6-6 record and entering the playoffs as the lowest seed and putting their title repeat bid in serious jeopardy as they will face twice-to-beat NLEX in the quarterfinals.

     

    But Cone believes TNT can still turn things around despite their shaky campaign so far, stressing that the Tropang 5G remains a dangerous threat to any opponent in the playoffs.

     

    “I think they probably got a match-up that they like against NLEX. That’s going to be an interesting series. Talk ‘N Text can turn it around in a heartbeat and find themselves in the finals easily. That’s a team that everybody’s eyes are on,” the veteran Ginebra coach said. 

     

    One of the things that has Cone believing that TNT can flip the switch anytime is the presence of Bol. The 7-foot-3 import and former NBA player is the conference’s highest-scoring import, currently averaging 38.64 points, 15.09 rebounds and 1.55 assists in 12 games.

     

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    On Sunday, Bol proved exactly why he is such a matchup problem in his first clash with Ginebra and its star import Justin Brownlee, a three-time Best Import and six-time PBA champion. 

     

    Bol erupted for 33 points alongside 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in a dominant all-around performance. Beyond the competition, Cone said it is an honor to see a talent like Bol showcase his skills in the PBA.

     

    What makes TNT’s playoff journey even more intriguing is how unfamiliar this road has become for a franchise long associated with consistency and deep postseason runs. 

     

    Instead of entering the quarterfinals with momentum and security, the Tropang 5G now carry the pressure of surviving every game while leaning heavily on Bol’s brilliance to spark a late surge. Yet that underdog role may quietly work in TNT’s favor. 

     

    With expectations lowered after their uneven 6-6 campaign and a tough 93-86 defeat to Ginebra, the defending champions suddenly become a far more unpredictable team — one capable of turning every playoff game into a high-risk shootout behind Bol’s 33-point explosion and the championship experience still embedded within the roster.

     

    The 8th seed is set to face the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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  • Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    The cast is finally complete for the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs — and the road to the championship immediately offers no easy passage for anyone.

     

    Even teams armed with twice-to-beat advantages are entering the quarterfinals knowing one bad night could completely shift the balance of the tournament.

     

    Among the biggest storylines heading into Friday’s playoff opener at the Ynares Center Antipolo is the dangerous collision between the third-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the battle-tested San Miguel Beermen.

     

    On paper, Rain or Shine owns the advantage after securing a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat incentive. But against a franchise built on championship pedigree, the cushion feels far less secure.

     

    The Elasto Painters looked nearly unstoppable early in the conference, storming to a franchise-best 7-0 start behind the high-powered play of import Jaylen Johnson and the system of veteran coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Their early-season surge featured statement wins over TNT, Converge, and even San Miguel, where Rain or Shine survived a furious Beermen comeback to preserve a 116-112 victory after leading by as many as 25 points.

     

    For weeks, the Elasto Painters looked like the league’s most complete team.

     

    Then came the late wobble.

     

    Rain or Shine dropped three of its last five elimination games, including a lopsided 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that ultimately pushed the team down to third place despite finishing with a strong 9-3 record.

     

    Johnson still emerged as one of the conference’s top imports after averaging 23.6 points and 14.6 rebounds, but the playoffs now present an entirely different challenge.

     

    Because unlike Rain or Shine’s steady rise, San Miguel arrives carrying momentum built through survival.

     

    The Beermen stumbled through the early part of the conference behind inconsistent imports and a shaky 3-4 start that placed their title hopes in danger. Their struggles peaked during a disappointing loss to Magnolia where former import Justin Patton struggled badly.

     

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    Desperate for stability, San Miguel turned back to a familiar answer.

     

    The return of Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who powered the franchise to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title — immediately changed the tone of the Beermen’s campaign.

     

    San Miguel won four of its last five games and carried a three-game winning streak into the playoffs to finish 7-5, suddenly looking like a team nobody wants to face in a short series.

     

    While Rain or Shine and San Miguel figure in a heavyweight showdown, the other marquee matchup features Ginebra taking on the returning Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

     

    For Phoenix, simply returning to the playoffs already marks a major breakthrough after missing the postseason the last two years.

     

    Unfortunately for coach Charles Tiu and the Fuel Masters, their reward is a date with the league’s most experienced playoff machine led by Tim Cone and resident superstar Justin Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra’s path to the No. 2 seed was not entirely smooth.

     

    The Gin Kings opened the conference unevenly despite Brownlee’s return, alternating wins and losses through their first four outings before eventually finding rhythm midway through the eliminations.

     

    Once they clicked, however, Ginebra quickly looked like a legitimate contender again.

     

    The team won seven of its final eight games, capped by dominant victories over Rain or Shine and TNT to secure a 9-3 record and the second seed behind top-ranked NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    Brownlee once again anchored the team with monster averages of 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while rising guard RJ Abarrientos blossomed into one of the conference’s breakout stars with 21.5 points per game.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, enters the playoffs still searching for consistency despite flashes of promise throughout the eliminations.

     

    The Fuel Masters started strong before struggling through uneven stretches that eventually left them at 6-6 entering the quarterfinals.

     

    A major turning point came when Phoenix replaced import James Dickey with returning reinforcement Johnathan Williams, who immediately stabilized the team with averages of 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds.

     

    The conference also became a breakout stage for Ricci Rivero, who thrived under Tiu’s system with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before a hand injury sidelined him late in the eliminations.

     

    Still, Phoenix faces a massive uphill climb.

     

    The Fuel Masters lost their lone elimination meeting against Ginebra, 109-96, in a game where Brownlee and Abarrientos combined for 58 points to completely overwhelm Phoenix in the second half.

     

    Now, with the quarterfinals officially set, the Commissioner’s Cup postseason opens with a familiar truth around the PBA:

     

    Momentum helps, twice-to-beat advantages matter, but once the playoffs begin, reputations and pressure often become the biggest deciding factors of all.

     

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