Garcia even considers the argument “healthy” for the team in the long run.

Garcia’s assertion proved to be true. In last Sunday’s game, he and Solomon were back in the same page as Rain Or Shine again rode on the top Elasto Painter’s back to repulse Barako Bull, 98-86.

‘’For me, parang nagiging healthy rin ‘yung team because if we didn’t have that exchange after that game siguro pangit lalaruin namin against Barako,’’ Garcia said after the win.

Last Friday, feeling that his team wasn’t going anywhere against Ginebra, Garcia pulled out Mercado, who was having a so-so game for most of the second half to allow guys like TY Tang and RJ Jazul to try to make some headway.

That move fueled the post-game confrontation and exchange of words between him and Mercado, who were reportedly have been bickering every now and then since they’ve been together in 2008.

‘’For me and Sol (Mercado), ever since I’ve been coaching to him, it’s always common. Even the players know that. During timeouts we have arguments, but I said for me it’s healthy.’’

Following the said incident, Mercado reportedly asked the Rain or Shine management to choose between him and Garcia, saying that he can no longer co-exist with his coach.

But after a meeting between Garcia, Mercado and the management the next day, the coach said that they were able to settle their differences and they’ve decided to move forward for the good of the team.

‘’Me and Sol (Mercado) had a meeting with our boss about what happened the day after that. I think we were able to talk our differences. I think it’s more of respect. Ako naman, I’m the type of person na whatever happens in the dugout, you come out and tapos na iyon. Wala na tayong magagawa. You just have to fix it. Once you fix that, you become a better coach, a better player and a better team.’’

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today