MOMENTUM remains strong on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s side, but even the most successful coach in league history remained cautious that the series won’t be a walk in park even with a 3-1 Gin Kings lead over the Meralco Bolts in Game Five of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Friday.
The Gin Kings flattened out a misfiring Bolts crew, 94-72, in Game Four of the best-of-seven showdown last Wednesday as the 2016 and 2017 champions move a win closer to the title they have consistently won against Meralco.
With 21 PBA championships under his name, Tim Cone has so much experience but he believes one miscalculated move could mean disaster and an instant turnaround in the series.
“You can’t give them the momentum and the confidence. So, we’ll try to make a statement early in Game Five,” Cone said ahead of their 7 p.m. encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Not even the coronation of Allen Durham as Best Import could make a great impact for a Meralco team that is trailing badly in the race-to-four showdown.
Before Game Four, Durham was awarded with his third individual trophy, beating Justin Brownlee of the Gin Kings.
That hardly mattered, however, as Barangay Ginebra punished its foe from start to finish, even leading by a high of 27 points.
Brownlee, the runner-up in the Best Import race, played inspired and blasted off with 15 second-quarter points to break a 14-all deadlock that transformed into a 42-31 advantage for his side.
He finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, five steals and four blocks to outclass Durham’s 21 points.
The Bolts reinforcement did collect 27 rebounds and seven assists to add to his statistics, but his efforts fell short.
“I’m worried about trying to get a win on Friday and extend the series,” Durham said.
Stanley Pringle chalked up 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals for another brilliant performance, while Scottie Thompson added 16 points and six rebounds for his best game so far in the Finals.
Raymond Almazan, who earlier suffered a meniscal tear on his left knee, played hurt and contributed 12 points for Meralco.
Cone, obviously, wanted a shorter route to the championship, but a true tactician that he is, brushed off any air of complacency.
“I would love to, but I don’t think so. We’ll just try our best,” he said.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza