PBA Governors’ Cup Semifinals: Ginebra and Rain or Shine Bounce Back
The 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals took a dramatic turn as Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters recovered from recent setbacks to win their respective Game 3s. Ginebra secured a hard-fought 99-94 victory over San Miguel Beermen, taking a 2-1 series lead, while Rain or Shine narrowly escaped a 0-3 deficit with a thrilling 110-109 win against TNT Tropang Giga.
Ginebra’s Defensive Strategy Pays Off
Ginebra’s aggressive defense was the key to their success, stifling San Miguel’s offense and limiting their scoring opportunities. The team made a crucial adjustment by switching their primary defender on San Miguel import EJ Anosike to Stephen Holt, while assigning Justin Brownlee to guard CJ Perez and provide extra defense at the post. This strategic move paid off, as Ginebra’s defense was able to rotate and scramble quickly to prevent breakdowns.
“We played playoff defense tonight, and I thought that was our key to winning this game,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Rain or Shine’s Shooting Resurgence
Rain or Shine’s offense finally clicked in their win over TNT, thanks to improved execution and a resurgence in their outside shooting. The team hit more than ten 3-pointers for the first time in the playoffs, shooting a solid 36.4% from beyond the arc. Leonard Santillan played a crucial role in this resurgence, breaking out of his shooting slump with 20 points, including 4-of-7 from three.
TNT’s Adjustments
TNT, now narrowly missing a 3-0 series lead, has some adjustments to make. The team struggled with rebounding, with Rain or Shine dominating 54-35 overall and 18-5 on the offensive glass. TNT also sorely missed Jayson Castro, whose absence led to a loss of stability in the second quarter, allowing Rain or Shine to build a sizable lead.
Moving forward, TNT will need to regain their defensive identity and turn the game into a low-scoring affair, as they’ve proven to be the top defensive team in the conference.
What’s Next?
The series is far from over, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the next game. Ginebra will look to continue their defensive dominance, while Rain or Shine will aim to maintain their shooting momentum. TNT, on the other hand, will need to make adjustments to regain their footing in the series. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.
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