RAIN or Shine coach Caloy Garcia admitted the Elastopainters are already focusing on the playoffs in their loss to TNT on Saturday at the end of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
The Elastopainters saw their six-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday with a 100-85 loss to the KaTropa.
“Before the game, I already felt that they are already focused on the playoffs,” said Garcia. “Today’s game was basically a no-bearing. I just like to focus on the other players na hindi ko masyado nabibigyan ng opportunity.”
Despite the 15-point loss and giving his second stringers more time on the floor, Garcia was actually happy with the way Rain or Shine performed in the match.
In the game, Rain or Shine actually had a balanced scoring attack with Reggie Johnson finishing with 12 points and 14 rebounds, Chris Tiu adding 11 points, and Maverick Ahanmisi and James Yap each giving 10 points.
“I think I was happy in the situation that we were down 20, then we came back and we were able to cut the lead to seven. But then, they hit three or four three-point shots. Pero sabi ko nga sa mga players, I already saw what I wanted. Iniiwasan din namin na may ma-injured. I actually got scared when Reggie (Johnson) fell down, and also Jewel (Ponferrada). Medyo iwas iwas muna kami sa injuries,” said Garcia.
With the elimination round behind them, Garcia said the team is now focusing on eighth-seed GlobalPort, and the Rain or Shine coach is not planning to hold their guard down.
Rain or Shine and GlobalPort square off on Tuesday.
“Every team in the league is really tough to beat. You really have to prepare. The only advantage we have with GlobalPort is probably the twice-to-beat advantage which we worked hard for. But of course, we want to finish it on Tuesday,” said Garcia.