WINNING titles also has its downside. Ask Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
The Kings reached the Promised Land anew in last season’s Governors Cup against Meralco and Cone admitted his charges are still groping for form and trying to get back in game shape.
“It’s really an issue when you’re not in shape. You cannot do a lot of things you need to do in basketball when you’re not in shape,” Cone said.
“You cannot sustain your energy, you can’t sustain your defense, you’re slow on getting back on offense, you don’t box out when you’re tired. All of those things happen when you’re tired,” he added.
Cone spoke after Ginebra slipped past hard-fighting Blackwater 85-82 last Sunday night to kick off its PBA Philippine Cup campaign.
Reigning MVP Scottie Thompson echoed Cone’s thoughts, saying: “Like what coach Tim said sa huddle namin, we really need to get in shape kasi every game is tough and we’re behind when it comes to our shape and conditioning.”
Christian Standhardinger showed the way for the Kings with a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 15 markers and six boards.
Thompson wound up an assist shy of a triple-double with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and nine dimes.
Trailing 79-82 in the final minute of the last stanza, Ginebra went on a 6-0 windup that thwarted the inspired Bossing’s bid for a 2-0 start and another stunning triumph after bringing down defending champion TNT 85-78 last Thursday.
Thompson sank two free throws off a Jvee Casio foul that pulled the Kings to within 81-82 before Baser Amer’s turnover enabled Japeth Aguilar to boom in the go-ahead jumper, only 8.2 seconds left.
Cone acknowledged Blackwater’s new-found zest.
“They had a big win against TNT, we knew they were gonna be confident, we knew they’ll have momentum on their side,” Cone said.
