Finals Preview?

E kung ganito ba
naman idepensa sayo

In a game that could very well serve as a preview to the season-ending PBA Governor's Cup Finals, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters failed to overcome the streaking Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings-- losing 95-86.

While Ginebra lost some of its "Never Say Die" patent to the rising Powerade Tigers, the real budding rivalry is with the Elastopainters who are looking more and more like the old Batang Red Bull Thunder squad of, hey, current head coach Yeng Guiao. Years back, when the Thunder came into the league, they quickly won over some of Ginebra's fans behind the exploits of names such as Jimwell Torion, Willie Miller, Junthy Valenzuela, Davonna Harp and Mick Penissi. Those guys balled and had kanto swag which made them crowd darlings in an instant.

Ditto with the Elastopainters who are rallying around Guiao's old school Pinoy macho coaching style that rewards the efforts of its players while punishing opponents on defense.

Tonight however, the Gin Kings proved that they're for real despite going through some odd retooling and coaching philosophy changes. While superstar Mark Caguioa's 29 points played a huge role in the victory, the game was won on the defensive end which could ultimately lead to a title for Ginebra should the two teams meet in the Finals.

Elastopainters' star rookie Paul Lee was hounded all night by Ginebra import Cedric Bozeman-- which set the tone the rest of the way. While Lee got his customary, "Big Games Versus Ginebra" numbers and finished with 19, the offense stagnated in his hands because Bozeman was bent on keeping him from being effective. Ginebra's frontline also did a tremendous job on the Elastopainters' import Jamelle Cornley who took only 12 shots the whole night.

Usually, you'd expect Guiao to pull another magic trick off the bench and have a Ronjay Buenafe do his scoring thing or even for Gabe Norwood to emerge at some point. Those two didn't, Jeffrei Chan was checked all night and couldn't get the ball from Lee and that was the end of the Elastopainters' bid for an early Finals entry.

Moving forward, expect the Gin Kings to stick to their new and renowned commitment on the defensive end. Given all the crazy options on offense, they're going with something simpler-- make that, someone: Caguioa. As long as he's efficient, import Bozeman provides support and maybe a player or two contributes on offense, they'll be right in the hunt.

For the Elastopainters, they need to maintain that level of intensity and consistency at all times. They're not a loaded team, just a bunch of over achievers really, and the best way for them to pull it all off is when they play together and perform what is asked of them. They simply can't expect to win a title if guys are unable to make their usual contributions (Buenafe, Beau Belga and Ryan Arana).