PBA Finals: Tim Cone rues ’embarrassing’ Ginebra loss in Game 4

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A visibly frustrated Tim Cone appeared briefly in front of the media after Ginebra’s 116-104 loss to TNT in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Cone had every reason to be upset after the Tropang Giga evened the series again in a game that saw Ginebra trail by as many as 23 points.

“It’s a series and now we’re tied. Now, it becomes a best-of-three but we just played badly today. We didn’t defend, we didn’t rebound. It was quite disappointing and on many levels was embarrassing but like I said, it’s a series,”

When asked about the Tropang Giga’s record-setting finals performance of 21 3-pointers, Cone cited Ginebra’s lack of effort on the defensive end.

“We hit threes too but we didn’t defend. I’m not just talking about shooting. I’m talking about defending. That’s all I got to say,” said Cone, whose squad hit 15 triples after making 18 in Game 3.

Newly-minted Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT’s assault with 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Tropang Giga had four players hit four 3-pointers apiece. Jayson Castro had 17 points off the bench while Mikey Williams, Calvin Oftana and Kib Montalbo each added 16.

“That’s just how shooting is, sometimes it’s on and sometimes it’s not but if you ask them about it, for as long as the defense is constant, you’re going to be okay,” TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa said.