MANILA, Philippines – Head coach Tim Cone found reasons to be positive about his team’s performance even though Barangay Ginebra suffered their first defeat in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, losing to the visiting Eastern squad in a closely contested game 93-90.

The Kings had trouble scoring, especially from beyond the arc, as they only made a pitiful 1-of-19 (only 5%) effort. They only made 31 of 72 shots from the field (43 percent), which wasn’t much better overall. Cone, whose 67th birthday was the day before, identified poor shooting as the main cause of the defeat. Ginebra persevered through these difficulties, which is evidence of their tenacity and resolve.

The Kings had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but Scottie Thompson’s three-point attempt at the buzzer just missed. Eastern moved to 5-1 in the league, but Ginebra held their own against them until that last shot. Despite their shooting difficulties, the team’s ability to maintain a close game against a formidable opponent demonstrated their tenacity and will to win.

Cone presented the defeat as a moral win for his team, acknowledging their capacity to perform well in trying situations. One encouraging lesson was their perseverance, particularly in maintaining striking distance in the face of severe offensive difficulties. According to the winning coach, this performance demonstrated the team’s moral fiber and room for growth as the conference goes on.

The coach of Ginebra gave a realistic evaluation of the team’s recent performance, admitting that they had difficulties in a number of areas. Although they did not perform at their best, especially in terms of shooting, he pointed out that they were still able to maintain a competitive game. He claimed that this illustrated the team’s character. Notwithstanding their flaws, they came very close to winning, demonstrating their tenacity and resolve.

The defeat, which was the Kings’ third game in as many days, ended their two-game winning streak to start the conference. Their performance was obviously impacted by the rigorous schedule. The coach did not use the players’ fatigue as an excuse, but he did acknowledge it. He emphasized that the team was unable to recover from the physically demanding schedule, which resulted in mistakes and lost opportunities that ultimately cost them the game.

The coach saw a bright spot in the team’s effort despite the loss. He commended their tenacity and resolve, highlighting their reluctance to give up in the face of major obstacles. Their great work ethic, mental tenacity, and camaraderie were evident in their ability to remain competitive despite their physical difficulties. Even in the face of unfavorable circumstances, these attributes enabled them to persevere and preserve a competitive advantage throughout the game.

The coach emphasized that one encouraging lesson that speaks well for the remainder of the season is the team’s tenacity in the face of difficulty. He was certain that the team will get stronger as a result of this experience, more prepared to deal with pressure-filled games in the future. With an emphasis on recuperation and development, the team hopes to recover in their next games.

He conveyed his belief that the team would eventually gain from this experience. Later in the season, when the stakes are high, their capacity to handle difficulties and remain composed under duress will be essential. Despite being disheartening, the loss gave important information about the team’s character and places for improvement.

In the end, the coach’s comments demonstrated a fair viewpoint. He emphasized the significance of learning from the setback by acknowledging the challenges the squad encountered while still seeing the chance for improvement. The emphasis will now be on recuperation and getting ready for their next games.

Ginebra still has a rigorous routine. On Wednesday, they play Terrafirma at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. On December 21, they go to Batangas City to play Converge, the league’s first conference game. The team’s eagerly awaited Christmas Day matchup versus longstanding foe Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum will then wrap up their hectic run.