TIM Cone stressed the importance of receiving contributions from the entire Barangay Ginebra team rather than solely relying on Christian Standhardinger.
The Ginebra coach highlighted Meralco's effective game plan in Game 2, which resulted in a 103-91 victory for the Bolts, tying their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.
Standhardinger delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 41 points on 13-of-17 shooting from the field. However, only two other Kings managed to reach double figures after him.
And that’s where the problem lies, according to Cone.
“The game plan was obvious, put the ball on Christian’s hands and make them beat us from the line. And he (Standhardinger) was almost up to the task. He kept his goings, he kept his hands,” said Cone.
“(But) they did a good job of shutting everybody else down. We need to get contributions from everybody and we didn’t get that tonight.”
Standhardinger had 10 of his total output in the fourth quarter, where only Maverick Ahanmisi and Stanley Pringle scored for the Kings. The two Fil-Ams were the other players in double figures with 14 and 13, respectively.
Rookie Ralph Cu, who finished with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc in the Game 1 win, was held to only six points, while fellow starters Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar were held to a combined 13 points.
“It’s not about Christian and not only about Christian, it’s about getting contributions from everybody. We need that positive minutes from a lot of our guys,” said Cone.
Asked if he expects the 6-foot-8 Standhardinger to keep his scoring consistency in Game 3, the Ginebra coach said it depends on what looks the Bolts will give the veteran Fil-German.
“It depends on how they would defend him. But what I’m saying he was up to the task, but we got to get contributions,” Cone added.
“They came out with a game plan, they executed it. That’s why it’s a series, it’s 1-1. After that, we’ll see what will go on Wednesday.”
Game 3 will be played at Dasmarinas Arena in Cavite.
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