MANILA, Philippines – More than being the top seeds in the playoffs, the onus is on NorthPort Batang Pier to demonstrate that they are deserving semifinalists.

Coach Tim Cone doesn’t take the Kings lightly because he thinks the Batang Pier is real.

In the first game of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinals waltz against the seasoned Gin Kings on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Batang Pier unfortunately proved to be inadequate.

Did the extended break have anything to do with it? Did the lull knock them out of sync? Is it rusty?

In any case, a reportedly worn-out and unprepared Ginebra team ambushed Coach Bonnie Tan’s men, losing 115-93.

After a difficult struggle against Gilas Pilipinas, Justin Brownlee and his teammates showed no signs of weariness. They buckled down to work and helped the Kings gain the upper hand in the race to four matchup.

Once more, the onus is on the Batang Pier to recover and bounce back from their crushing defeat in Game One. Game Two will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Friday at 5 p.m.

Was it a mistake on the part of NorthPort that the Batang Pier appeared to be unaware of the Kings’ capabilities?

Cone attributed much of this to the preparations made by his deputies who remained in Manila during his time with Gilas Pilipinas.

Thanks to the hard work of assistant coaches Kirk Collier and Olsen Racela, who spent the last two weeks working closely with the players, Gilas Pilipinas came into Game One well-prepared. A practice match against a Korean team and intense training sessions were part of their preparation, which improved the players’ conditioning and performance before the game.

Head coach Tim Cone personally witnessed the team’s preparedness when he and the rest of the Gilas team arrived in Manila. The efficiency of their pre-game preparation was demonstrated by the zeal and precision with which players like Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos practiced. The coaching staff’s methodical approach helped the team become more cohesive and enhance their overall game plan.

The practice match against the Korean team gave the players invaluable in-game experience and helped them hone their skills in a competitive setting. The exposure reinforced important tactical changes and fostered camaraderie among team members. The players came into the game with confidence and a clear idea of their duties on the court thanks to the coaching staff’s strategic planning.

Gilas Pilipinas showed a high degree of preparedness with a well-structured training schedule prior to Game One. The team was set up for success as they proceeded with their tournament campaign thanks to a combination of rigorous preparation, strategic coaching, and competitive practice sessions.

Even though Kadeem Jack had a fantastic game, scoring 33 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, Gilas Pilipinas successfully carried out their strategy. With a superb performance, RJ Abarrientos, Stephen Holt, and the rest of the Ginebra core completely dominated NorthPort Batang Pier. The Kings put forth a well-rounded effort, taking advantage of every chance to exert control over the match.

Despite Ginebra’s defensive pressure, Arvin Tolentino, a strong candidate for Best Player of the Conference, was unable to get into a rhythm. Tolentino failed to give NorthPort the offensive spark they needed to stay up with the Kings, scoring only eight points on a poor 2-of-11 shooting effort.

Ginebra saw an opportunity to seize complete control of the series and quickly established their dominance. They were able to establish a commanding lead thanks to their aggressive strategy, setting them up for a possible 2-0 series edge in the next Game Two.

Ginebra’s reserves took over in the final minutes after an exciting fast-break sequence in the third quarter gave them an early advantage. The starters received much-needed rest after winning the game, guaranteeing their fitness for another crucial encounter.

As the Kings get ready for the next battle, the early substitution plan can prove to be very important. Now that momentum is solidly in their favor, they aim to put on another strong showing to solidify their control of the series.