By REYNALD MAGALLON
PBA fans get a treat on Christmas Day as the Barangay Ginebra and TNT figure in a rematch of last season’s Governors’ Cup Finals in the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday, Dec. 25.
The clash between the Kings (5-3) and the Tropang Giga (4-5) provides the main event to the expected Christmas spectacle at 6:30 p.m.
Serving as the curtain raiser is an equally enticing match between the streaking Phoenix (7-1) and the playoff chasing San Miguel Beer (5-3) in the first offering at 4 p.m.
Having used to playing on ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone remained wary of all the distractions heading into the contest especially with the celebrations and gathering on the eve of the match.
“It’s a difficult game because of all the distractions. There’s so many things going on, family-wise and such, so it’s hard to focus on,” said Cone.
“It’s really up to us to get through it. We have to understand how important this game is to us in terms of the standings and where we want to get to. It’s a do-or-die for us if we want to make the Top 4,” he added.
The Kings are not only looking to avenge their 4-2 Finals loss in the season-ending conference last season but are also hoping to boost their bid for a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals.
Import Tony Bishop along with Jamie Malonzo, Maverick Ahanmisi and Christian Standhardinger are out to take the lead for that goal although standing in their way is the shorthanded but determined TNT.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson remained questionable for the contest after suffering a whiplash in TNT’s game against Fubon Braves in the East Asia Super League but the Tropang Giga are still set to get a much-needed boost in the impending return of streaky gunner RR Pogoy.
TNT, which will be leaning on veterans Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams along with Calvin Oftana, is in dire need of victories as it is barely holding its place in the playoff picture, sitting at the seventh spot.
Meanwhile, in the first game, one win streak will come to an end as the Fuel Masters stake their six-game winning run against the Beermen who are riding the crest of a two-game streak against powerhouse teams TNT and Ginebra.
