PBA: Tim Cone not banking on Ginebra’s earlier Rain or Shine romp

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone during a game in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ semifinal opponent in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup will be Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and if recent history is any indication, the Gin Kings may have reason to feel confident.

That, however, is not how coach Tim Cone sees it.

In the elimination round, Ginebra routed Rain or Shine, 114-90. For Cone, though, those numbers have no bearing now as they gear up for a best-of-seven affair with Rain or Shine.

“I have no idea [how we won like that]. We have to go back and look at the video. That was one of our better games of the conference while it was one of their worst,” he said.

“When someone’s on top of their game and the other isn’t, oftentimes it’ll result in a blowout.”

The Gin Kings advanced to the semifinals after dominating Phoenix, 112-81, on Friday night at Ynares Sports Center.

Earlier, coach Yeng Guiao’s Elasto Painters stunned San Miguel, 113-104, to clinch the first semifinal berth.

Cone reiterated that while things went Ginebra’s way in the eliminations, Rain or Shine will be a different beast come the semifinals.

“We were highly motivated then but instead of looking at a game like that, we won’t put too much salt in that game. We kind of let it go because we know the kind of team they present. We’ll get ready for that,” Cone said.