MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text head coach Chot Reyes doesn’t believe that having a longer break will be an advantage against Barangay Ginebra when they begin their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final series tomorrow. While Barangay Ginebra will only have two days of rest before returning to action at the Araneta Coliseum, the Tropang Texters had seven days.
The long rest has both positive and negative aspects, Reyes said.
“The long break, while giving us a rest, also dulled our edge,” said Reyes, whose team swept Air21 in their best-of-five duel, winning Game 3, 118-104, last Wednesday for their 10th Finals stint and second straight this season.
The Kings edged the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas in Game 4 (92-85) of their five-game showdown on Sunday to move to the championship stage for the 19th time and a second time against TNT, which they beat in six games during 2004 Philippine Cup.
Talk ‘N Text is eyeing its third overall title, and second straight. Should it beat Ginebra, TNT will have a crack at a possible “grand slam.”
There has been just three teams in PBA history to have won a grand slam or three championships in a season. These are Crispa (1976 and 1983), San Miguel Beer (1989) and Alaska (1996).
As for Ginebra, the San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-owned franchise is shooting for its ninth overall title, and first since the team bagged the 2008 Fiesta Cup with seven-foot import Chris Alexander.
Reyes said the Kings’ two-day rest is just ‘perfect’ as the Kings will carry the momentum from their previous win against the national team.
“Their two days rest is just perfect to complement their battle sharpness and confidence,” Reyes said. “They’re too well-coached, deep and talented to be denied (entry to the Finals). I hope we can keep it up.”
Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico, hoping to win his ninth title and third with the Kings, sees the best-of-seven title series a tough one.
“They’re the top team that’s why they’re in the Finals. They’re very strong, very talented,” Uichico said.
Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
