Dogfights in PBA playoff race
With 17 games and nine playing days left in the single-round eliminations, the PBA Governors Cup playoff cast of eight is still to be determined, making each remaining contest critical in deciding the fate of every franchise. So far, only Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra are assured of advancing to the quarterfinals but whether they finish in the top four to gain a twice-to-beat advantage is a question mark.
Expected to make a late run in the chase are TNT (4-4), San Miguel Beer (3-4) and Rain Or Shine (2-4). TNT got off to a 1-4 start but has now won three in a row, two straight since Bong Ravena’s appointment as head coach, former New Zealand national player Mark Dickel’s arrival as consultant and Marques Blakely’s comeback. The KaTropa will battle San Miguel in Calasiao tomorrow then Magnolia next Friday and Ginebra on Nov. 4. The Beermen finally won a game with former Utah Jazz guard Kevin Murphy in harness, whipping Phoenix, 117-100, last Saturday. JuneMar Fajardo’s absence is telling and coach Leo Austria has to find ways to cope until he returns. After TNT, San Miguel will meet NorthPort on Wednesday, Rain Or Shine on Oct. 27 and Meralco on Nov. 3.
The Elasto Painters are coming off back-to-back wins after a 0-4 start and face Columbian tonight, Meralco on Sunday, Phoenix on Wednesday, San Miguel on Oct. 27 and NLEX on Nov. 3. A sweep of its remaining five games will raise Rain Or Shine’s record to 7-4, assuring a playoff ticket.
While every game in the schedule is crucial, some intriguing matchups to watch are – Magnolia (7-1) vs Meralco (26) at Ynares Antipolo tonight, TNT vs San Miguel in Calasiao tomorrow, Blackwater (6-2) vs Alaska (6-2) at Araneta on Sunday, Phoenix (6-3) vs Rain Or Shine at Cuneta
on Wednesday, TNT vs Magnolia at Ynares Antipolo on Friday, San Miguel vs Rain Or Shine in Binan on Oct. 27, Ginebra vs Magnolia in a grand revival of Manila Clasico at Araneta on Oct. 28, San Miguel vs Meralco at Araneta on Nov. 3 and Ginebra vs TNT at Araneta on Nov. 4. The PBA will not play games from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 to make way for All Souls Day.
As the PBA heads towards the homestretch in the eliminations, here are 10 things for teams to keep in mind.
Health. It’s important for players to stay healthy and injury-free so rotations aren’t compromised in matchups. A key player going down is something nobody wants particularly when a playoff ticket is at stake.
Chemistry. In the Governors Cup where each team is allowed to recruit a 6-5 or less import, coordination is essential. The team that isn’t fragmented has a bigger chance of advancing than a team that’s struggling with chemistry issues involving an import and his local teammates. Import versatility. An import who’s able to play multiple positions gives a team a huge edge. An import can’t be unidimensional. He has to be a threat from the perimeter or in the interior. He must be a fierce rebounder, passer and defender. It’s not asking too much from a player who’s paid big bucks. Most especially, he must be in control of his emotions from start to finish. Composure. Games are expected to be more physical as the race for the playoffs tightens. Players must keep their poise and play through the calls or non-calls, whether they agree with them or not.
Execution. Efficiency on both ends is imperative. Teams must be able execute on both ends. Defense is supposed to win championships but offense puts points on the board and in the end, that’s what counts.
Resilience. Coaches and players must know how to adjust to difficult situations, when to stem the tide, when to create momentum. If things don’t turn out how you expect, you must be resilient and improvise to right the ship.
Preparation. Luck is something that comes with hard work. Teams must be well-prepared for battle. Opposing teams must be well scouted. Players must be in tip-top condition, mentally and physically. Nothing is left to chance in the gym. Game by game. Forget the big picture for the moment. Now, the focus is game by game because the race for a playoff spot and a top four finish for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals is extremely close.
Teamwork. Every player must know his role in a team’s scheme of things. A player can’t go on his own and play for himself, whether he’s an import or not. There are five players in a team on the floor and they’ve got to work together to be successful.
Trust in the system. Whatever system the coach runs, the players must trust in it. No straying, no doubting. A team lives and dies with its system. There’s a reason why a coach calls the shots and why players make them.